Arturo Leyva and Martha Verduzco-Ortega of Hood River Latino Network. Verduzco-Ortega gave public comment that urged North Wasco County School District 21 to adopt a resolution to protect undocumented students at school similar to Hood River County School District’s.
Arturo Leyva and Martha Verduzco-Ortega of Hood River Latino Network. Verduzco-Ortega gave public comment that urged North Wasco County School District 21 to adopt a resolution to protect undocumented students at school similar to Hood River County School District’s.
“We recognize the growing fear and uncertainty among many families in our district due to ongoing national discussions about potential changes to immigration policies. These concerns resonate deeply throughout our schools, as they affect not only individuals but also the sense of safety and security that is essential for effective learning. We are unwavering in our commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where all students belong,” Bernal read.
“While we understand our diverse community includes a range of perspectives and beliefs, we are united in our responsibility to protect the rights, dignity and safety of every child,” she continued. “To this end, we follow school safety protocols, district policy, and state and federal laws that guide who is allowed to contact students during the school day.”
The letter outlines key protections, including the right to education, citing U.S. Supreme Court Case Plyler v. Doe, ensuring all children have the right to free public education regardless of immigration status; privacy protections, citing Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), under which schools are prohibited from sharing a student’s education records or information about immigration status without parental consent or a court order; and enrollment, stating that schools cannot require Social Security numbers or information about immigration status for enrollment.
The letter also outlines multiple school board policies, nondiscrimination, all students belong, personally identifiable information, and relations with law enforcement agencies.
“As educators, our top priority is the wellbeing of our students — mentally, physically, and emotionally. We are focused on ensuring every child has access to a safe learning environment where they can thrive,” Bernal read.
The letter also included an FAQ page regarding questions family members may have.
After reading the letter, Bernal said that she had met with the district leadership team — consisting of principals, assistant principals, directors and department heads — regarding procedures that the district would follow in the event of a visit by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or federal agents on district properties.
“I want to say that it can be assured we have very highly dedicated and committed team of leaders that are committed to the safety of our students and ensuring that they come to school every day and feel safe and secure,” Bernal said, “and that was evidenced by the conversations we had, the questions that were asked, the what-if scenarios and just the heavy heart that we all had in even having to have the conversation.”
Bernal also noted that the leadership team had been directed to have training with district staff to ensure they understand district policies and procedures in place to safeguard students.
Following the reading of the letter, Director Jose Apparicio asked if the letter would be translated into Spanish, which Bernal confirmed it would. Aparicio then asked for guidance regarding approaching ongoing communications with families to make sure information is consistent.
Bernal said the letter is the first communication and will be sent out again as it is updated.
During the public comment section for agenda items earlier in the meeting, community member Amber Orion and Martha Verduzco- Ortega, director of Immigrant Help Centers from the Hood River Latino Network, spoke before the board. Orion asked for clarification of procedures if ICE or a federal agent showing up at a school, and clarification in language about procedures regarding administrative versus judicial warrants.
“So there’s a lot of room for interpretation on what each individual can do, and because there are so many students and staff at North Wasco County School District, I just wanted to make sure that the language is extremely clear ... Ultimately, we want to make sure that the students feel supported and are supported, and that the staff also feel supported in being able to make statements and take actions that are clearly outlined here, so they know they also have the support of the board and the district office,” Orion said.
Orion also requested clarification in policy language on whether staff would have to disclose if they are aware of a student’s immigration status, despite it not being required for enrollment. “I would like to ask that it be put … in the policy that if staff isn’t supposed to know about somebody’s immigration status, then the answer is ‘I don’t know.’ Period, because … it is not in a staff person’s job to know somebody’s immigration status, and the answer should be ‘I don’t know.’”
As previously reported by Columbia Gorge News, HRCSD adopted Resolution 24-25/05 in December protecting undocumented students at school. The resolution states any agent(s) of ICE or other immigration enforcement agencies intending to enter any of the district's sites must first notify the superintendent with adequate notice, in person. Further, the board directed the superintendent to require an authorized warrant outlining the specific purposes of the visit before granting agents access to students.
During the Superintendent’s presentation, Bernal thanked both Orion and Verduzco-Ortega for their input. “We were able to meet today, and I really appreciated them coming in and having a conversation with us,” Bernal said, who noted through their conversations, the district learned of resources they weren't initally aware of. “We really appreciate that and also about how we can continue to collaborate moving forward to ensure the safety of our students and families.”
Director John Nelson asked if Bernal was involved in communicating future plans with local law enforcement. Bernal confirmed that they will be in close communication with them going forward. “We are very fortunate to have a very great relationship with our local law enforcement,” Bernal said. “We work with them regularly, almost on a daily basis, in one way or another, so we have an excellent relationship with them.”
Bernal ended her presentation stating that the district is consistently getting updates and information from sources such as the governor’s office, the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA), the Coalition for Oregon School Administrators (COSA) and the American Association for School for School Administrators (AASA).
The entire Jan. 23 school board meeting can be viewed at the District 21 Media channel on YouTube.
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