SISD Superintendent Update

This past Friday, I had the opportunity to join area school district Superintendents in a meeting with representatives from the U.S. Board Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Department of Homeland Security. I want to share what I have learned about the recent executive order issued to secure our borders and its impact on our school district.

Clarification of Executive Order to Secure Our Borders

President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14165 on January 20, 2025. The order to secure our borders,

• Does not change existing laws
• Discontinues the practice of “catch and release” of individuals entering/residing in the US illegally
• Allows for the enforcement of laws to deter, apprehend, detain, and prosecute known criminal actors who enter/reside in the US illegally

It is important to us that your children may be experiencing feelings of fear or uncertainty at this time. The following information is being shared to alleviate fears about what children may hear on the news or in the community.

Raids: Agencies are not raiding schools or churches.

• Law enforcement is not entering campuses in search of undocumented students.
• Law enforcement will enter a campus if they are pursuing any known criminal who attempts to hide inside a school building. This has always been the case. Any person entering our schools without permission violates our safety procedures and the law, regardless of their immigration status. We will take action to ensure our students and staff are safe if there is an intruder.

Increased military presence at the border: There has been a confirmed increase in the presence of law enforcement, including a military presence at the border. Their activities are associated with the placement and security of additional equipment and personnel.

• Student information is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• A school district must be given a warrant or subpoena by the law enforcement agency to obtain student information.

Students whose parent/guardian is taken into custody:

• If law enforcement is made aware of a child who may be left without supervision, efforts will be made to place the child with a family member or Child Protective Services.
• If the child/minor has legal status to be in the country, they will not be exited or deported with their parents.
• Update your child's Emergency Contact Information: You should ensure we have the name and number of a trusted friend or family member on file in case of an emergency. If, during an emergency, we are unable to contact you or an emergency contact, we will have to notify Child Protective Services.
• Schools will be notified as timely as possible.

The school district is conducting business as usual. Our campuses and classrooms are still safe, and teaching and learning continue as normal. Our goal is that your child's learning environment is not disrupted and that they feel safe at school. We will ensure that our staff is equipped to serve your students in the best way possible.

Training of Staff on District Safety Procedures and Student Privacy: We will review district safety procedures with staff and encourage staff to look for false information or rumors in classrooms.

Counseling Services: Should you or your child want to speak to a school counselor, you may contact your campus directly.

Questions: If you have a question, you may contact your campus principal or me directly. My cell phone number is 210-488-7589, or you may email me at ehoward@sharylandisd.org.

Talk with your child. Encourage them to let you know if they feel unsafe or have questions about things happening at school. Monitor their online activities so that you know what they are seeing and discussing with others.

Send your child to school: Attendance is important. Make school a priority. Remind your children they are safe and loved at school. We miss them when they are not here.

Get Connected: Attend school events, parent meetings, and activities. You will meet other parents and get to know the staff and students. Your involvement helps protect your student from the distractions of the world.

Build Community. Remember, law enforcement officers are also our neighbors; they live in our community, and their children attend school with your children. They are just as concerned about your safety as they are about the safety of their families.

Check the facts. Take time to vet the source of information. Not everything on the Internet is true, and not everything we hear from a third party is a fact.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child's life. I do not take the responsibility lightly. They are our communities most treasured gift! I will continue to work hard so that they are safe. - Dr. Howard