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Community asks board to consider 'safe zones' policy and seeks transparency on superintendent search
Summary
Community groups and individuals urged the Washington County Board of Education to adopt a "safe zones" resolution for immigrant students after mention of a federal warehouse purchase, and Rising toLearn asked the board for transparency about the upcoming superintendent search and timeline.
Speakers at the March 17 public meeting asked the Washington County Board of Education to take specific actions on immigration‑related safety and on transparency for leadership hiring.
Carol Mau, president of the Washington County Teachers Association, told the board about her group's concerns over a warehouse purchased by the federal government that may be used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She said the WCTA drafted a statement and recommended the board consider a safe‑zones resolution and policy "to make it clear that our school district is a welcoming place for all students" and to explicitly prohibit collection of student immigration information.
"When the safety of families, friends, and communities is threatened, children's attendance at school and their ability to learn are compromised," Mau said, urging the board to place discussion of a resolution on a policy committee agenda and bring it to a future business meeting.
Separately, Roger Stenderson of Rising toLearn pressed the board to explain how it plans to manage an upcoming superintendent transition. Citing the board’s previous discussion in 2022 when hiring drew internal dissent, Stenderson asked for a transparent plan and public involvement with roughly 90 days remaining before a legally required deadline to have a superintendent in place.
"What is your plan for securing a new superintendent? What are you doing to include the public in your decision and to find, interview, and hire the best possible successor?" Stenderson asked.
Board members acknowledged the concerns raised and said the public input would be considered; no votes or formal commitments on a safe‑zones policy or a search timeline were taken that evening.
Next steps: Board members were asked to consider adding the safe‑zones draft to the policy committee calendar; the superintendent search process timing will be discussed in subsequent meetings and public materials.
