Richfield district says federal enforcement presence cut attendance, launched 800‑student temporary virtual program
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Summary
Superintendent Yudnowsky told legislators that federal enforcement activity since Dec. 1 led to a rise in absences (from ~10% to ~25% absent), prompted an 800‑student temporary virtual program and food distribution, and caused 30 students to leave the district; legislators asked for data and proposed housing and rental‑assistance measures.
District officials told state lawmakers at a Feb. 2 study session that increased federal enforcement activity in Richfield has had an immediate operational impact on schools.
"Since December 1, there has been a very significant ICE or federal agent presence in Richfield, which has had very significant impact on us," Superintendent Yudnowsky said. He told legislators the district launched a temporary virtual program that enrolled about 800 students—roughly 20% of the district—because daily attendance shifted from about 90% present to about 75% present.
Yudnowsky said the attendance change reduced meal service by approximately 560 lunches per day and that about 30 students left the district and have not re‑enrolled elsewhere during the period. The district has begun food distribution and is deploying hotspots and staff to support affected families.
Board members and a former teacher described community stress: volunteers supervising student arrivals and families avoiding in‑person attendance because of armed federal vehicles near schools and bus routes. District staff said they redeployed teams to manage dismissal and student safety at locations where federal vehicles were present.
Lawmakers at the meeting expressed concern and asked for concrete evidence and reports. Representative Howard said state legislators are exploring a range of supports, including additional mental‑health funding and policy changes to stabilize housing. He cited a proposed $50,000,000 rental‑assistance bill under consideration and asked the district for ESSER/COVID funding usage data to help target state resources.
No federal agency statement was provided at the session. District leaders asked legislators to consider both short‑term stabilization (food, rental assistance, mental‑health support) and longer‑term measures to address learning loss that may follow prolonged absences.
The district said it will provide more detailed reports on ESSER‑funded staffing and program outcomes to legislators to guide further action. The study session ended with mutual commitments to continue communication and practical support coordination between the district, city and state officials.
