The Sarasota School District Superintendent Responds
Is there more?
In a post on the Support Our Schools Facebook page, Superintendent of Sarasota Schools Terry Connor wrote the following on the topic of ICE coming into the district:
For clarity, I understand that recent discussions about immigration enforcement may raise concerns among our community. I want to assure all families that our primary focus has always been on the safety and education of every student entrusted to our care. It is crucial to approach this topic calmly and avoid unnecessary alarm and anxiety.
Following current standard operating procedures, we will:
1. Continue to Provide a Safe Learning Environment: Our schools are places where students and staff can concentrate on learning. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere of trust, respect, and inclusivity for all students and staff.
2. Continue to Adhere to Privacy Laws: We keep student records and personally identifiable information in strict compliance with relevant privacy regulations. We do not keep information related to students' immigration status.
3. Continue to Comply with Lawful Requests: If we receive a legitimate and verified legal order or subpoena from a verified law enforcement agency, we will fulfill our legal obligations. If any updates or further guidance are issued at the state or federal level, we will review those directives promptly and communicate any implications for our schools and communities.
There’s no safer place for all of our students than to be in school every day.
It’s important to acknowledge that Connor has his finger on the pulse of the public and schools, by visiting one of the many Ground Zero’s - social media.
I question his use of the word “unnecessary”. It has a tone of dismissiveness to very real concerns. When people are kept in the dark, we know that fear only grows. This isn’t the time for blame, but let’s take responsibility for adding to the confusion.
Once again, Connor’s information is either not easily found on the Sarasota School district website or not on the website at all. I couldn’t find it.
We are still left in the dark as to why the Superintendent, with full knowledge of the community’s commitment and desire to keep two public board meetings a month, was cut back to one. Alternatives - such as the second meeting being held in a different location to accommodate more people - was never brought up to the public again.
Can the powers-to-be at least let the public know the status on this? Are they waiting for the summer months, when families are away on vacation?
An In Touch newsletter distributed by the schools district that is excitedly announced is not a replacement for a second meeting where the dialogue is a two-way street. We urge everyone to subscribe, however.
In Connor’s defense, we all know what / who he’s dealing with. It was only a few months ago when a board member stammered nervously if the schools had a list of immigrant students. Does one lay low in the face of a hurricane that may pick off select human beings? Or does the fight against it turn bolder and more effective with clear and full information?
Fear never wins.
Shining light on a problem seems to be the answer, because it creates information that can spread to the needed parties. Facts quell fears - somewhat. Walking in an immigrant’s shoes, awareness and staying on full alert at all times is exhausting, but necessary.
Leadership that speaks out often forms a community of humanity, compassion and understanding. There is power in numbers. Good will prevail over evil.
A Sarasota School Board workshop takes place this morning (Tuesday) at 10:00am at 1980 Landings Blvd. Walk to the front of the building and you will be let in.
There are many ways Sarasotans can help our most vulnerable citizens during this time of inhumanity. There is hope. We will be publishing sources and ways for you to participate (at whatever level) in an upcoming easy-to-read article.
Your comments are welcome in the section below. Or, they can be emailed to: jslferguson@gmail.com
So what is the procedure. I have to go to work and it would be nice to know what the actual steps are.
- If I have 15 kids in my class, does someone come to the classroom an remove however many kids they want?
- Do I walk them to the office?
- Do they walk to the office with a buddy since that is required depending on age to go walk anywhere such as the Clinic, Front Office?
- Do they show ME proper identification with thier full ID that I can take a photo of?
- Does the Front Office know what is the proper ID and documentation that ICE needs to show me or show the person sitting at the desk?
- Give us actual step-by-step procedures.
- Will these procedures be posted at the school so everyone knows what has been decided?
- What is the School Board's plan to get the word out to every Teacher, every Substitute Teacher, Aide, Office Staff, Custodial, Volunteer,...... You never know who will be working at the exact time that ICE arrives.
The School Board rarely answers questions at School Board meetings. I'm sure they won't have one for this. In the meantime, I guess we all just "wing it" as I'm heading into a Title 1 school now.
I received a similar answer to an email I sent. The phrase "lawful request" bothered me. When is such a request not lawful? Or if so when is it worth defying?