Ridgefield board adopts policy limiting student interviews on school grounds

The Ridgefield School District Board of Directors voted to adopt Policy 3226, governing interviews and interrogations of students on school premises.

The measure, discussed under Old Business, removes a previously included reference to federal immigration enforcement guidance and instead bases district practice on Washington state law and a WASA model policy, Superintendent Dr. Rodriguez said. "At this time federally they're not identifying sensitive location so we felt it was best to remove their reference ... and instead really base this policy simply on Washington state law," Dr. Rodriguez said.

Why it matters: The policy is intended to minimize instructional disruption and clarify when outside agencies may interview students at school, the superintendent said. The draft states that "staff shall not grant information or access to immigration agents unless or until the district superintendent determines the request complies with relevant case law and other applicable laws." That line was highlighted by board members as a key procedural safeguard.

Public comment: Resident Maggie Butler urged the board to adopt the policy and to ensure transparent family communications, saying discriminatory remarks directed at students had harmed her child and that families need reassurance about protections. "It is my hope that all families in our community experience the same sense of belonging and support," Butler said during public comment.

Vote and next steps: A board member moved to approve Policy 3226 with the edit removing the federal reference; a second was noted and the board approved the motion by voice vote, recorded as "all in favor." The board indicated implementing procedures based on the WASA model would be posted on the district website to guide staff on next steps.

The board then moved to new business items, including contract approvals and first readings of related policy updates.