Â鶹ӰÒô

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the challenging, emotionally charged and often frightening circumstances that we are facing as a country and as a city in this still very new year. We know these concerns are all too real for many in our school community.

First and foremost, I would like to reaffirm the City School District of Â鶹ӰÒô’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of everyone in our school community. 

At its foundation, this commitment is rooted in our vision, mission and values – it is who we are as a school district, dedicated to the well-being of every student and every family we serve, and focused on safety above all else. 

To this end and in the tense climate in which communities like ours find themselves, we have reminded our principals and administrators about their rights and responsibilities if law enforcement officials come to school seeking to question a student on district property. This includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. 

Law enforcement officers from ICE or any agency are permitted to question a student on district property only under one of these circumstances:

• They have a lawfully issued warrant providing court-authorized access to a student, or
• With consent from a parent or guardian, or
• If the student is accused of committing a crime on school property, and school or district personnel invite law enforcement officers to investigate 

If one of these criteria is met, we will comply with the request.

If none of the criteria is met, law enforcement officers are not permitted to speak to a student on school property. 

We have once again instructed our administrators on the appropriate steps to follow should these circumstances occur. That includes denying law enforcement officials entry into the building if they lack the proper legal authorization. 

This guidance from our legal team also aligns with guidance that the State Education Department has provided for all New York school districts. You can , including recent updates to the state’s guidance. This information is available in 14 languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Urdu and more. 

We also would like to remind everyone that we offer many resources for students and families who have questions or would like additional support.

Please always know you and your children can turn to your principals, teachers and support staff in all of our schools. Our offices of Pupil Personnel Services, ENL and Refugee Services, and School Counseling provide staff members who are trained and ready to respond to all students’ social-emotional needs. Our staff members also can help connect you with community resources to assist with additional questions or concerns. 

You can contact your child’s school for more information, or use one of these phone numbers if you have additional questions or need support:

• Pupil Personnel Services Department  – (518) 475-6130
• Office of ENL and Refugee Services – (518) 475-6147
• Office of the Superintendent – (518) 475-6010

The political climate surrounding immigration in our country continues to create fear, uncertainty and anxiety. We understand the very real emotions this topic may stir up -- not only for our students and families, but for many throughout our organization and the Â鶹ӰÒô community. 

Please know that as a district, we remain dedicated every day to ensuring that our schools remain safe, supportive and welcoming environments for everyone who walks through our doors. No matter how national events unfold, we will continue to value and defend every student, family and employee that our organization is so proud to serve.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

Joseph Hochreiter
Superintendent