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Residents urge Onteora board to adopt stronger immigrant‑protection resolution; trustees cite legal limits
Summary
Parents, attorneys and residents pressed the Onteora Central School District board to adopt an expanded immigrant‑protection (URR) resolution and concrete protocols; the board said it will re‑share existing staff protocols, consult counsel and consider language but warned it cannot promise duties beyond legal authority.
Community members urged the Onteora Central School District board on April 21 to adopt a strengthened immigrant‑protection resolution and specific operational measures to shield immigrant students and families from enforcement actions.
At public comment, Jude Kurjan Frank, a parent of district students, said the current 2025 resolution falls short and asked the board to "have courage and act now," arguing that immigrant families in the community are being "unduly targeted" and need clear protections, training and communication.
Harry Kunhart, a district resident, called the February 2025 resolution "insufficient," and urged the board to adopt policies that include staff training, bus procedures and rapid‑response protocols. Emily Saxs, another parent, asked for specifics: staff training on response protocols, denying access on buses, notifying parents after interactions with enforcement agents, documenting presence and data‑protection steps.
Kasha Donghue, a tenants' rights attorney, told trustees that the community is "living in unprecedented times" and urged immediate board action to adopt a proposed resolution she said would confirm the district's commitment to protect students and families.
In response, Superintendent McLaren said the district already keeps confidential, detailed safety plans and protocols and that staff have been instructed on steps to take if enforcement agents appear: do not allow entry, request documentation, contact school leadership and forward any papers to legal counsel. McLaren said those procedures will be re‑shared with staff and the public where appropriate, and that the administration would continue discussions with outside advocates and the board.
Several trustees acknowledged community concerns and emphasized legal constraints. Trustee comments repeatedly noted that any board resolution must be reviewed by counsel and that the district cannot order staff to undertake actions beyond the law. Trustee Jerome said the board wants to avoid giving families a "false sense of security" by promising actions it cannot legally deliver, but also said the district should communicate more clearly about what it will do within the law.
Trustees and the superintendent agreed to circulate existing operational protocols again, to consult attorneys about potential amendments to the district's statement, and to seek input from advocates and the district's legal team before committing to new resolution language.
The board did not vote on a revised URR resolution at the meeting; trustees said they will continue review and consider next steps after counsel and stakeholder meetings.
