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Community urges board to adopt protections as superintendent outlines districtprotocols under Oregon sanctuary laws
Summary
A public commenter urged the Woodburn School District board to formally bar cooperation with immigration enforcement and distribute informational "red cards". Superintendent Larios said the district has shared guidance, will follow Oregon sanctuary laws and will not provide student records without a judicial order.
Tony Som told the Woodburn School District board its immigrant families are living in fear and urged the board to go on record promising not to cooperate with immigration enforcement and to distribute informational "red cards" explaining individuals' rights if confronted by immigration agents. "It's time for this board to go on the record and stand shoulder to shoulder with this community," Som said during public comment.
Superintendent Larios responded by describing recent district communications shared in English, Spanish and Russian and summarized the district's protocols grounded in Oregon sanctuary laws. Larios said district staff will ask any immigration official who arrives on campus to provide identification and that officials will be limited to the school office. "The district does not collect information about immigration status. If student records are requested, they will not be provided," Larios said, adding that students may not be removed from school without a judicial order.
Som urged the board to clarify other situations that worry families, including safety at bus stops, on field trips and the district's steps when a parent is detained and emergency contacts cannot be reached. He also provided a template resolution from the National Education Association and asked the board to consider promptly adopting a tailored version.
Board members asked follow-up questions about distribution of materials and staff guidance; the superintendent said the district is working with legal counsel, coordinating with other districts and planning community information nights and resources. No board vote or formal resolution was adopted on the night of the meeting.
The superintendent said crisis supports were deployed at school sites after a recent community tragedy and reiterated the district27s commitment to safe, welcoming campuses while it continues to update guidance and resources for families.
