Superintendent outlines family letter, staff training after immigration and privacy questions

During public comment, parent Amber Orion asked whether school staff permit ICE or federal agents on campus and requested clarification about the district’s policy on administrative versus judicial warrants and staff training. Martha Ortega of the HR Latino Network asked the board to adopt a resolution protecting undocumented students similar to one in Hood River County.

Superintendent Dr. Carolyn Bernal said district leadership met with community members earlier in the day, described the draft family letter and FAQs, and emphasized legal protections: the right to education under Plyler v. Doe, and student‑record privacy under FERPA. Bernal said materials have been translated into Spanish and staff trainings have been conducted with principals and directors. She said families were invited to contact administrators with concerns and that the district will align language with neighboring districts and statewide guidance. "The district's commitment to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments," Bernal said as she read the letter to the board.

Board members heard that staff communication tools and leadership training were updated, and that final edits to the family letter would follow community feedback. The board did not vote on a district‑level resolution during the meeting; staff said they would continue collaboration and report back with finalized materials and any proposed policy language.