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Residents urge Cheltenham schools to reissue welcoming‑policy guidance and clarify ICE protocols
Summary
Multiple community members told the committee they want clearer, translated welcoming/immigration guidance for families and school training on ICE encounters; district staff said procedures exist and that front office staff have been trained and will reissue guidance.
During the public comment portion of the policy committee meeting, several community members urged the Cheltenham School District to adopt clearer and more widely distributed welcoming/immigration guidance and to ensure families receive information in the district’s major languages.
Tom Peterson, who identified himself as representing Cheltenham Immigration Response, asked about the status of a proposed welcoming policy and a more detailed guidance document that would include frequently asked questions. Another resident said staff training and clear procedures are needed in case U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) appear at a school, and asked how the district would communicate to families.
Chair replied that the district has procedures in place: front office staff are trained, schools are secure, and staff will verify any warrants with legal counsel before permitting access or removal. The chair also noted a letter the district issued previously on these procedures and said administration would reissue those materials and work on translations and outreach.
Commenters also requested family preparation plans (to assist students if a parent is arrested) and more outreach so families know which resources and supports are available. Committee members suggested the district could point families to existing government‑prepared guides and local resources as short‑term steps while work on any formal policy continues.
