Parents and advocates press Faribault schools on communication, safety amid local immigration enforcement

During public comment at the Feb. 17 Faribault Public Schools board meeting, community members urged faster and more practical district communication about local immigration enforcement and asked the district to provide safety measures for students.

Courtney Cavalier, a former Faribault parent and ex‑board director, said district communications over the past year had been slow or absent during periods of heightened fear and that nearly 200 community members had requested more information that the district declined to share. "In moments of heightened fear, particularly for immigrant families, impact matters more than intent," Cavalier said, urging the district to evaluate communications by their effect on vulnerable families, not only by intention.

Carolyn Treadway, a local resident and school advocate, told the board she was disappointed by the district’s efforts to assure parents of children at risk of apprehension and suggested options such as door‑to‑door pickup or partnering with Hiawatha Transit for safer routes to bus stops. She said letters with platitudes were not sufficient and that families continue to feel unsafe.

Superintendent Venti and board leaders described outreach emails and family/staff communications over recent weeks about rights and protocols; the superintendent noted the district had circulated guidance about possible online options for elementary students in January but acknowledged follow‑up timing created confusion. Board members acknowledged the comments and noted public comment procedures for meetings; no formal action was taken during the meeting, but the concerns were raised publicly to inform district follow‑up.