Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON / AFP / Getty Images
The Catskill Central School District has released a comprehensive plan outlining how the district will handle potential interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. The protocols, which were announced on February 12, are being implemented as a precautionary measure to protect students and ensure their educational rights.
"Protecting the rights of all students while complying with applicable laws is our priority," stated district officials, including Interim Superintendent John Xanthis and Assistant Superintendent Deborah Johnson.
The plan includes several key policies:
- Guaranteeing all students have the right to public education regardless of immigration status
- Not collecting or sharing immigration data of students and their families
- Restricting ICE officers from entering school buildings without proper authorization
District leadership emphasized that these measures are preventative in nature. In their official communication, the Board of Education and Administration addressed community concerns about ICE presence in schools, stating: "We have received inquiries and questions stating that ICE has been present in our school community. We wanted to let you know that this is not true."
The district's announcement comes amid broader discussions about immigration enforcement across the Hudson Valley region. Last year, several adult education programs in the area released "Know Your Rights With ICE" fact sheets to help immigrant students understand their legal protections.
School officials encourage families with questions or concerns to contact the district directly rather than relying on unofficial information sources. The district maintains that its highest priority is providing "a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment for every student."