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SCOE affirms policy aligned with Plyler v. Doe and outlines school-level notifications for ICE visits
Summary
SCOE described its immigration and enforcement policy (citing Plyler v. Doe and policy 5145.13), explained steps taken to reassure families, and said district-level policies and partner relationships guide local implementation; trustees asked how the community would be notified if enforcement actions occurred.
The board heard an overview of how the Solano County Office of Education coordinates district-level responses to immigration enforcement and communicates with families.
Speakers emphasized that the county office's policy is grounded in federal law, referencing the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Plyler v. Doe that establishes school-enrollment rights for undocumented children. "The foundation of any of our actions lies in policy 5145.13," said one presenter, explaining that the policy has been vetted by North Bay Schools Insurance Authority legal counsel and aligns SCOE practices with state and federal law.
Dr. Valerie Garrett described front-line measures taken on SCOE-operated campuses: posting the policy in front offices, holding family meetings to reassure students and families, and coordinating with community partners. "We talk to the students about the fact that the school is safe and that they're protected," she said, noting that staff saw a "minor dip in attendance" after rumors of ICE activity and that school teams worked to restore comfort and trust.
Trustees asked how the community would be notified if ICE or another enforcement entity came to a campus; presenters said the policy outlines who must be notified and that the process aligns with district practices and insurance-authority guidance. Staff said they have not had to enact the formal notification steps for an ICE incident in recent years.
The board also discussed district-level policies: staff said districts adopt their own procedures according to local needs and that SCOE supports district-led communication and partnerships rather than superseding local efforts.
