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Superintendent updates board on immigrant supports and flags federal guidance that could affect equity programs
Summary
Superintendent Farris Saba reported no known immigration enforcement at county schools, described partnerships and a resource site for immigrant families, and warned of a recent Department of Education letter that staff said could jeopardize federal funding for race- or group-specific programs; staff noted roughly 12.5% of COE funding comes from federal sources.
Superintendent Farris Saba briefed the board on a range of countywide priorities, focusing on supports for immigrant families and recent federal communications about race-based services.
Saba said the COE is monitoring immigration enforcement and reported only one local arrest/deportation in the county since the administration change; he highlighted a new partnership with Cradle to Career to supply "know your rights" trainings and distributed red/rapid-response card resources. Saba also noted the launch of an information website, susarechos.info, which he said is receiving about 200 visits per day.
On federal policy, Saba summarized a 'dear colleague' letter from the U.S. Department of Education that staff said characterizes services targeted to a specific racial group as discriminatory; staff and state leaders disagree with that broad reading and are preparing for potential legal and funding implications. "Approximately 12.5% of our budget comes from federal sources," Saba said, warning that cuts or delays to federal funds would have a "profound impact" on programs that rely on those dollars.
The board discussed monitoring and coordination with state officials; the superintendent said COE staff will provide updates as the federal situation evolves.
