Dear Eatontown Public Schools Community Member:
As the Superintendent of Schools and the Chief School Administrator for the district, I am writing to you today to inform you of some changes in federal laws that may be of concern and/or interest to you. Last week, a few executive orders were signed by the President that increase immigration enforcement across the country.
Our school district is committed to providing a free public education to all students. The safety, well-being, and social/emotional health of our students and staff is one of our most important goals and responsibilities. Since these changes to the federal laws are relatively new, the State of New Jersey as well as the New Jersey Department of Education are still determining appropriate procedures and actions in response to these laws.
In the meantime, Eatontown Public Schools will be following the guidance provided by the Office of School Preparedness & Emergency Planning (OSPEP) which was designed to support school officials and school communities in protecting the physical and emotional health of our students. Please click on the link to review this guidance:
In order to access the most up-to-date information, you also may review the new NJ Department of Education webpage that provides guidance and resources designed to help school staff understand and adhere to state and federal requirements related to immigrant students and families:
https://nj.gov/education/security/studentrights/index.shtml
Eatontown Public Schools will remain compliant with all applicable federal and state laws. However, our school system will prioritize the health and safety of its students, staff, and families. If federal officials visit our schools and inquire about the status of our students or their families, faculty and staff have been directed to contact me immediately. I will collaborate with our team members to ensure that the district is adhering to applicable laws and regulations. Specifically, inquiries about our students’ and families’ immigration status by federal officials need to be supported by a court order or subpoena signed by a judge. I will work with the Board of Education attorney to determine the appropriate course of action in each situation.
Our school district does not wish to get in the middle of conflicts between federal and state agencies. Our school district does want to protect our students’ right to attend public school consistently without fear and insecurity. Our diverse and inclusive school culture makes our district a wonderful place to teach and learn.
Thank you for your consideration and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Scott T. McCue
Superintendent of Schools