Statement from VVSD Supt. Dr. Keith Wood Regarding Immigration Enforcement on School Property
As a starting point, I want to first remind everyone in the VVSD community of the VVSD Mission and Vision as recommended by District Administration and approved by the Board of Education.
VVSD Mission Statement:
Our mission is to empower Every Learner to be college, career, and life ready and to develop, grow and achieve as a productive citizen.
VVSD Vision:
We will hold high expectations and provide collaborative supports to ensure academic, social and emotional success for Every Learner in Valley View School District, regardless of race, gender, income, geography, disability, or native language through: Rigor, Assessment, Instruction, and Accountability.
In particular, I call your attention to a phrase we use often that guides everything we do to provide a quality educational experience - Every Learner, Every Day. That motto, along with our mission and vision, set the foundation for meeting the needs of our learners and our community as a whole.
We are aware of concerns in our community and throughout the nation regarding potential enforcement actions by federal law enforcement agencies on school property.
By federal law, all children in the United States are entitled to equal access to a basic public elementary and secondary education regardless of their actual or perceived race, color, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, or the status of their parents/guardians.
In fact, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Plyler v. Doe, that school districts must not inquire about the citizenship status of a student or parent in order to establish residency. Additionally, the documents required by a school system as proof of residency for a student, when taken together, shall not result in a requirement for proof of citizenship status. Districts must take care to ensure that their processes to establish residency do not force a student or parent to reveal their immigration status.
VVSD administration, security, and front office staff have received guidance on how to handle any potential interactions with immigration agents, and we have empowered trusted adults within our school to work directly with students, offering reassurance and support. We have approached this matter with great care. Our priority is to foster a secure, inclusive, and supportive environment where all students can focus on their education without fear.
Below is a summary of procedures that are in place to safeguard our students:
In the event that a federal immigration agent seeks student information or asks to speak to students, our staff will not disclose any information or permit entry into the building, unless specifically required by law.
Entry procedures to all VVSD facilities remain in place, which means that no one is allowed in our buildings without identifying themselves, having their identification verified, and declaring their business for being on campus.
As stated above, VVSD does not require or ask for our students’ or their families’ immigration status. In general, Federal, and State law prohibit school districts from requesting or collecting records related to a student or family’s citizenship or immigration status.
All student information is confidential, and student records are protected under Federal and State law, and generally cannot be disclosed to authorities without a court order.
VVSD students and staff deserve to feel safe and supported as they work and learn each day within our schools. Our first priority is always the safety and security of students, staff, and community members within our facilities. Our schools are more than just places for students to learn. Our schools are focal points of our community. We deeply value the trust our families place in us, and we remain committed to maintaining that hard-earned trust. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Dr. Keith Wood
Superintendent
Valley View CUSD 365U
VVSD Supt. Dr. Keith Wood’s Update to the Board at the February 10 Meeting
VVSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Keith Wood provided an update to the Board of Education at the February 10 Regular Meeting. Dr. Wood shared celebrations of the 100th Day of the school year and gave a preview of the VVSD Family Symposium scheduled for Sat. February 22.
VVSD Staff Spotlight- Betty Sherrod, Task Force Guest Teacher, R.C. Hill Elementary
The most versatile staff members in VVSD are the task force substitutes in our school buildings. Each day, the task force subs come to work ready for anything, and everything. They are ready to tackle tasks from stepping in for teachers who must momentarily step out of the classroom, to filling in for whatever tasks might arise during the day.
At R.C. Hill Elementary School, Task Force Substitute Betty Sherrod brings college teaching experience with her, along with over 20 years as a VVSD guest teacher. Betty is also the unofficial “historian” at R.C. Hill as she is charged with presenting each day during Black History Month the story of a prominent Black American during the morning announcements.
VVSD Hosts Family Empowerment Symposium Sat. Feb. 22
Join us for a day filled with inspiration, learning, and connection! Explore interactive workshops designed to empower families and strengthen school-community partnerships. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts, discover resources, and gain tools to support your family’s success.
Learn more about the following topics and connect with families that have similar interests. Immigration Rights, Infinite Campus Parent Portal, Dual Language Programming in VVSD, Empowering Parents through the IEP Process, Supporting Students in Middle and High School Mathematics, Helping Your Student Thrive with Literacy, Tobacco, Vaping, and E-cigarettes: What you need to know, How Government Can Serve You, Mental Health Strategies for Students, Post-Secondary Success, and more.
The VVSD Family Empowerment Symposium is on Sat. Feb. 22 from 9 am–2 pm at Brooks Middle School, 350 Blair Lane in Bolingbrook. RSVP Today on ParentSquare, this event is free and open to all families in Valley View School District. Childcare is available.
VVSD Kindergarten Enrollment Begins Friday, February 28
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! All Returning VVSD Students Can Also Register for the 2025-26 School Year Beginning Friday, February 28
VVSD will open Kindergarten registration for the Class of 2038 on Fri. Feb. 28 through the online enrollment process. To be eligible to register, a student must be five years old on or before Sept 1, 2025, and the family must live with VVSD boundaries. Families of current VVSD students will be able to register via their Infinite Campus Parent Portal account, while families new to the District will be able to register online. Click here for more details about the enrollment process.
VVSD is also pleased to announce that registration for the 2025-26 school year for currently enrolled students will also begin on Fri. Feb. 28. You can register a currently enrolled VVSD student for the 2025-26 school year by accessing your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account.
Start the New Year by Joining the VVSD Team
VVSD is still hiring for a wide range of positions for the 2024-25 school year with an emphasis on adding to our teams of paraprofessionals, lunchroom/playground aides and special education teachers.
We are also seeking new team members including guest teachers, bus drivers, operations & maintenance, nutrition services, and special education staff.
VVSD’s employment opportunities offer schedules for staff members that are in synchronization with school schedules, making VVSD a great choice for parents who need to have their work schedule match up with the school hours, and Winter and Spring Break for their children. To see all VVSD job opportunities and to apply, visit www.vvsd.org/jobs
VVSD Nutrition Services Job Fairs
VVSD is hosting two upcoming job fairs specifically for openings with our VVSD Nutrition Service Team. The dates for these job fairs are Fri. March 21, and Fri. April 11. All three job fairs are from
10 am- Noon. These job fairs will be hosted on the VVSD Indeed.com website.
VVSD Nutrition Services is hiring for the following positions: General Nutrition Services Team Member, Asst. Kitchen Managers.
VVEEF invites you to the “Wild, Wild West” on Friday, March 7
Yeehaw! Get ready to saddle up for the Valley View Educational Enrichment Foundation’s Annual Dinner and Auction, happening Fri., March 7 at 6 pm at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. Dust off your boots and mosey on down for a rootin’-tootin’ night of fun going full "Wild, Wild West"! Don’t get left in the dust—grab your tickets early before they ride off into the sunset!
VVEEF wrangles up funds for grants that benefit VVSD students and teachers. You can lasso some great items in the silent auction and raffle, or even bid online from your phone at https://VVEEF2025.givesmart.com.
Round up your posse and make sure you’re ready to chow down, sip some sarsaparilla, and dance the night away under the stars.
Don’t miss the wagon train—get your tickets today! To purchase tickets, click here (You can also use this link for donations and to register for our online bidding system).
Kudos for Noteworthy Achievements
A. Vito Martinez Middle School earned the top spot on the podium at the 2025 VVSD Middle School STEMcathlon. On their way to first place overall, AVM won the Marble Rolling and Spaghetti Cantilever categories.
Brooks Middle School won the Laser Maze competition. Jane Addams Middle School engineered the longest flying rocket to win the Straw Rocket competition and the future electrical engineer from Lukancic Middle School won the Paper Circuits category.
VVSD is the proud home of three teachers who have earned National Board Certified Teacher status.
Marcelina Amaro of the Dr. James A. Mitchem, Jr. Early Childhood Center, Jonas Salk Elementary School 5th Grade Teacher Nicki Fagust, and Bolingbrook HS Spanish Foreign Language Teacher Nicole Luo were honored for their achievement at the Mon. Feb. 10 Board of Education meeting.
We now have exterior sheathing and windows installed as construction continues at the Dr. James A. Mitchem, Jr. Early Childhood Center Bolingbrook Extension.
