Board adopts emergency policies on student records and interactions with federal immigration officials

The Clear Creek School District No. Re-1 board voted Aug. 28 to adopt three emergency policies recommended by the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB): JJRC (student records and release), KLG (relations with state and federal agencies) and KLG‑R (relations with federal immigration officials).

Board members discussed whether the district’s existing practice — a procedure to confer with legal counsel before permitting federal immigration agents entry except under a judicial warrant — aligned with the written policies. One board member asked whether relying on practice rather than formal policy could expose the district to legal risk. After discussion, the board approved all three policies on an emergency basis and specified that a building leader (the principal or a designated on-site leader) would serve as the district-designated employee to coordinate a response in immigration-related incidents.

What the policies do: In public discussion, staff said JJRC’s updates remove certain data elements (for example, place of birth) from routine student records to reduce the risk of records being used for immigration enforcement, and that the policy shifts some language from “shall” to “will” to clarify mandatory actions. KLG and KLG‑R emphasize communication with law enforcement and federal agencies and require a designated contact to manage such incidents.

Board vote: The board moved and seconded each emergency adoption and recorded affirmative votes, adopting JJRC, KLG and KLG‑R during the meeting.

Next steps: Board members asked staff to align the district’s written practice document with the new policies and to review the operational guidance at a study session so building leaders and legal counsel understand the implementation steps.

Sources: Board discussion and votes at the Aug. 28 meeting; public comment and staff explanation during policy debate.