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Cheltenham board adopts 'Welcoming Schools' resolution to protect student privacy from immigration enforcement
Summary
The Cheltenham School District board unanimously adopted a Welcoming Schools resolution and safe‑zone policy reaffirming that the district will not ask about students' immigration status, will protect education records, and will limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement while promising outreach and staff training.
The Cheltenham School District board on June 9 unanimously adopted a "Welcoming Schools" resolution and safe‑zone policy meant to reassure immigrant families that students may attend district schools without inquiry into immigration status.
The resolution, moved by board member Mr. Schultz and seconded by Mr. Charles Belle Williams, states the district will not ask about students' immigration status, will protect student education records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and will follow prescribed protocols if federal immigration officers request access to school property, information, or interviews.
"It is the right of every child regardless of immigration status to access a free public K–12 education," the resolution reads, and it cites state law and FERPA as limits on sharing student information. Mr. Schultz said the board acted in response to community concern and that the policy is intended to make families feel safe and welcome in district schools.
The policy text stresses that there is no state or federal law requiring local school districts to enforce federal immigration statutes. It directs staff to follow the board‑adopted protocol when faced with requests from immigration authorities and calls for clearer communication to families about the district's practices.
Public comment before the vote featured repeated praise for the resolution from community members. Judy Heath, who identified herself as a member of the Cheltenham Immigration Response Team, thanked the administration for leadership and urged the board to extend protections beyond school buildings to after‑school activities and bus stops: "We do not want students to stay home, not attend school for fear of being confronted by ICE," she said.
The board also committed to follow‑up steps the superintendent described, including an updated family letter about law‑enforcement interactions and further staff training on the policy's implementation. The board recorded the motion and approved the resolution by voice vote; no board member was recorded as opposed.
Next steps listed by administration include posting an executive summary and FAQ, scheduling family‑community engagement sessions, and continuing collaboration with advocates and legal partners on required communications.
The full resolution text and supporting materials will be posted on the district website.
