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Brentwood board cites new state guidance and promises local protocols to protect immigrant students
Summary
Parents pressed the board for clear protocols after reports an incoming official may rescind district 'sensitive locations' protections; district counsel and the superintendent cited state guidance and said they will develop local implementation and communication plans.
Parents and community members used public comment time to press the district on protections for immigrant students in schools.
Kendra Cornet Munoz (S13) asked what protocols the district has in place to protect immigrant students if federal immigration enforcement enters school buildings and how administrators should respond after a reportedly imminent policy change by an incoming officeholder. Counsel Candace (S2) and Superintendent Stacy Ortiz (S11) said a statement and guidance had just been issued by the New York State attorney general, the governor's office and the Education Department clarifying protections for immigrant students.
"It is clear that at a state level from all of the highest offices in the state, it is one of their priorities to make sure that immigrant students are safeguarded," Candace said. Ortiz said the district cabinet had received the guidance and that the administration will meet to discuss how best to support immigrant families and provide specific protocols to school administrators. Ortiz also said the district has an immigrant family community center and has held informational nights with legal presenters for families.
The board said it will develop and publicize local protocols and work with community partners to ensure students are informed and supported; no new formal policy was adopted at the meeting.
