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District outlines family‑support and privacy steps; officials cite 95.7% early attendance
Summary
Superintendent and district staff reviewed messaging and supports to protect students and families (including guidance when federal immigration officers request access), expanded food distribution sites, and mental health staffing; officials said early attendance rates (~95.71% for first 19 days) show families trust school safety efforts.
District staff updated the board on messaging, supports and operational steps intended to ensure student safety and privacy for all families.
Dr. Palmerston described a multi‑layered approach: clear district messaging reiterating that all students belong regardless of immigration status, policies and procedures for handling requests from federal officers (including notifying families), staff training, family resource centers, expanded food distribution sites and increased mental‑health staffing (counselors and school‑based therapists).
He said the district has worked with external partners, increased summer and expanded‑learning program attendance and that the average daily attendance for the first 19 days of the school year was 95.71 percent — a metric staff cited as evidence families are coming to school and trusting district messaging.
Trustees asked about mechanics for communicating student needs from after‑school programs to school sites, staff training for front‑line workers, and how the district ensures families receive "know your rights" information. Staff described a single point of contact at the district office for handling requests for student information, multiple distribution channels (ParentSquare, school offices, radio, family resource centers) and ongoing professional learning for staff.
No action was required; trustees asked for periodic updates and to be notified if circumstances change.
Next steps: continue community partnerships, expand food and basic‑needs sites, maintain training cadence and provide updates to the board as needed.
