At last night's regular board meeting, the board of directors proclaimed protections for students at school regardless of immigration status.

Whereas the overarching goal of the Northwest Regional ESD is “Every student educated, equipped and inspired to achieve their full potential and enrich their communities;” and,

Whereas the Board of Directors believes that children of every background can and will learn at the highest levels when all staff 1) cultivate anti-racism, multiculturalism, and diverse racial perspectives in program design, continuous improvement, and decision-making; 2) create culturally sustaining learning environments that ensure each student is safe, known, and connected; 3) utilize culturally sustaining, research-based practices for designing and delivering instruction; and 4) develop authentic, reciprocal, and inclusive partnerships with our diverse students, families, and community partners; and,

Whereas the Northwest Regional ESD promotes nondiscrimination and an environment free of harassment based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability or marital status (Policies AC: Nondiscrimination and ACB: Every Student Belongs); and,

Whereas the Northwest Regional ESD is required by Federal law to provide all children within its boundaries with equal access to a public education regardless of citizenship or immigration status; and,

Whereas current School Board Policy KN (Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies) and District Procedure KN-AR already requires that law enforcement officials must first seek permission from the Superintendent if attempting to access students at school, or school activities, except in cases involving: incidents/allegations of abuse of a child, probable cause that an illegal act or crime is occurring or has been committed on district property, or a warrant for an arrest or search; and,

Whereas the Northwest Regional ESD does not collect information about a student’s immigration status or that of the student’s family members, and pursuant to FERPA, shall not disclose, without parental consent, the immigration status of any student; and,

Whereas the safe, welcoming, academic learning environment of our schools and programs would be disrupted by the presence of the Immigration and Naturalization Service employees entering school properties for the purposes of removing students or their family members, or obtaining information about students and their families.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors directs the Superintendent and all employees of the Northwest Regional ESD to require an authorized warrant from Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) or Immigration Control Enforcement (ICE) agents which instructs them to enter ESD property and for what purpose; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Board of Directors directs the Superintendent to withhold permission to access students while at school without an authorized warrant from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) or Immigration Control Enforcement (ICE).

This Resolution is effective immediately upon adoption this 8th day of January, 2025.

NORTHWEST REGIONAL EDUCATION SERVICE DISTRICT – CLATSOP, COLUMBIA, TILLAMOOK, AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES, OREGON

Read the signed and adopted resolution: Board Resolution No. 25-004 Protections for Students at School Regardless of Immigration Status.