A Message From Superintendent Saxe

We understand that recent discussions about immigration enforcement may raise concerns for some families. At Berkeley County Schools (BCS), our top priority is ensuring that all students feel safe, supported, and able to focus on their education. We want to reassure you of our commitment to protecting students’ rights and privacy in accordance with state and federal laws.

Student Safety and School Access

Schools are places for learning, and we work diligently to ensure that they remain secure and welcoming environments for all students, regardless of immigration status, as required by federal law. Under the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe (1982), public schools must provide all students with access to education, regardless of their immigration status​.

While law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), may conduct activities in the community, schools have specific legal protections in place. If an immigration official visits a school, they must follow strict legal procedures before accessing non-public areas where students are present (classrooms, offices, hallways beyond the main entrance). School officials are required to review any requests and verify that they meet legal standards before taking any action. In every case, our goal is to minimize disruption to students and ensure a secure learning environment.

Privacy of Student Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects students’ personal information and education records. This means that:

• Schools do not collect or require information about students’ immigration status.
• Student records cannot be shared with immigration officials or any other agencies unless required by a court order.
• Parents and guardians must be notified before any student records are released unless prohibited by law.

How We Support Students and Families

We recognize that issues related to immigration can create stress for students and families. Our schools remain a place of support, and we encourage any student in need of guidance to reach out to a teacher, counselor, or school administrator. We are committed to treating all students with respect and ensuring they can continue their education without fear or disruption.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school or the district office. We will continue to monitor guidance from the West Virginia Department of Education and provide updates as needed.

Thank you for being a valued part of our school community.

Sincerely,

Ryan S. Saxe, Ed.D

Superintendent