Dear Isaac School District Families,
As the Superintendent of the Isaac School District, I want to assure you that our top priority is the safety and well-being of every student and family in our community. We are aware of recent updates at the federal and state levels, and we want to address questions about how these changes may affect our schools.
The Isaac School District is committed to maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, and secure environment where every child can learn, grow, and succeed without fear or discrimination. Below are key points to clarify our policies and responsibilities:
1. Student Rights and Enrollment
In accordance with the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court decision Plyler v. Doe, every child has the constitutional right to access a public education, regardless of immigration status. The Isaac School District will not inquire about or require proof of immigration status during the enrollment process. School residency requirements are based solely on where a student physically resides within or outside of the district boundaries.
2. Privacy Protections Under FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) mandates that the district protect the confidentiality of student education records. We are prohibited from disclosing personally identifiable information (PII), including immigration status, without prior written consent from parents or guardians, except as required by law.
3. Restrictions on Immigration Enforcement at Schools
“In most situations, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) and its subdivisions’ (Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) and Customs and Border Patrol (“CBP”) referring herein collectively as “DHS officers and agents”) policy restricts its officers and agents from taking enforcement action in “protected areas.” Historically, “protected areas” include public, private, charter, vocational, and other types of schools, as well as places where children routinely gather. When determining if a location is a protected area, DHS considers the activities that take place there, the importance of those activities to the well-being of people and the communities of which they are a part, and the impact an enforcement action would have on people’s willingness to be in the protected area and receive or engage in the essential services or activities that occur there. It is a determination that requires the exercise of judgment by law enforcement officials.
Examples of historically protected areas include, but are not limited to:
Schools;
Medical or mental healthcare facilities;
Places of worship or religious studies;
Places where children gather;
Social services establishments;
Places where disaster or emergency response/relief is provided;
Places where funerals, graveside ceremonies, rosaries, weddings, or other religious or
civil ceremonies or observances occur; and
Places where there are ongoing parades, demonstrations, or rallies.
The exceptions to this policy are situations where immediate enforcement action need to be taken in or near a protected area such as:
The enforcement action involves a national security threat;
There is an imminent risk of death, violence, or physical harm to a person;
The enforcement action involves the hot pursuit of an individual who poses a public
safety threat;
The enforcement action involves the hot pursuit of a personally observed border crosser;
There is an imminent risk that evidence material to a criminal case will be destroyed; or
A safe alternative location — a location deemed safe for DHS personnel, the subject of the enforcement action, and the public — does not exist. Absent a situation requiring immediate action, DHS officers and agents must seek prior approval from their agency’s headquarters or an authorized delegate before taking an enforcement action in or near a protected area.” Udall Shumway PLC and PD Ortega Law Group PLLC
4. Arizona Laws on Student Safety
Arizona state law (A.R.S. §15-802) ensures that all children, regardless of their background, have access to free public education. Additionally, any attempt to intimidate, harass, or discriminate against students or families based on their immigration status violates both state and federal civil rights protections.
5. Emergency Procedures for Students
In cases where a parent or guardian is unable to care for their child due to detention, deportation, or other emergencies, the district will follow protocols to ensure the child’s safety and stability. This includes contacting the emergency contacts listed in the student’s file. We strongly encourage families to keep this information updated to minimize disruptions and ensure continuity of care. Update your information by clicking here.
6. Non-Discrimination Policy
The Isaac School District upholds a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, or intimidation based on race, ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Any reported incidents will be thoroughly investigated and addressed promptly.
7. Staff Guidelines and Training
District staff are trained on the legal protections in place for students and families, including FERPA, sensitive locations policies, and non-discrimination laws. Staff are not permitted to inquire about or document the immigration status of any student or family member. If approached by law enforcement or other agencies seeking access to students or records, staff must notify district administration immediately for appropriate legal review.
8. Community Resources and Legal Support
​Heart of Isaac Community ​Resource​ Center (HOI): Isaac collaborates with trusted organizations to connect families with resources, including those designed for mixed-immigration-status households.​ HOI is a free community resource center we provide for our families and community. Join us for an information session “Know Your Rights” in collaboration with an immigration attorney held on Thursday, February 6th at 5PM. Please connect with your school's Parent Educator for more information call our center. Call us at 602-442-0583 or visit the HOI website Heart of Isaac Community Center for more information.
9. More Options
To provide more options for our families, we also offer Isaac Online Prep Academy for children who want to learn virtually. If this is an option you’d like to learn more about or enroll in, please call us at 602-442-2483 or enroll directly online by clicking here.
We understand that these times may bring uncertainty, but please know that the Isaac School District stands with our families and will continue to prioritize the rights and safety of every child in our care.
If you have any questions, concerns, or need additional support, please reach out to your school or the district office. Thank you for being a valued part of the Isaac School District community. Together, we will continue to provide an exceptional education in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
Respectfully,
Dr. Mario Ventura
Superintendent