On Monday night, the Orange County Schools Board of Education met to discuss a resolution recognizing community concerns about federal immigration laws and their impact on public schools.
What's new?
- The board presented a resolution regarding support for immigrant students and families, which affirms that children have the right to attend school in the county they live in regardless of immigration status and that Orange County Schools will disclose student information only as required by law, or when the school system deems it necessary under FERPA.
- Board member Bonnie Hauser said she is grateful to serve in a school district that supports immigrant families and for Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood and his team for keeping Orange County's community safe and inclusive.
- Board member Wendy Padilla said immigrants' economic contributions far exceed the cost of public services they receive, and she wants to make the public aware of their economic contributions toward the state.
- “It's been difficult to watch as our American institutions and our entire system of American government have come under the most dangerous assault they have faced since the nation was founded,” board member Sarah Smylie said.
- Smylie said she is focused on the district's mission to educate students in a safe, inclusive environment so they can reach their maximum potential.
- The board heard an update on summer programming for various grade levels, including the Read to Achieve camp, which is offered to students in second and third grade to improve reading skills.
- Carrie Doyle, a board member and high school science teacher in Durham Public Schools, said the school where she teaches is piloting a partnership with UNC-Chapel Hill to introduce teen mental health first aid training.
What decisions were made?
- The board unanimously approved the resolution to support immigrant students and families.
What's next?
- The board will hold its next regular meeting on March 10 at 6 p.m.
