A Letter to the School Board

I wanted to share this school board letter template as a starting point for anyone who isn't sure how to put concerns about their school communities into words.

Dear [School Board Members / Principal / School Leadership],

I’m writing as a concerned parent and community member to raise a critical issue that requires immediate planning, transparency, and district- and school-level coordination: the potential presence of federal immigration enforcement near our schools.

As you may know, [School or District Name] serves a diverse student population. According to a survey by [Data Source – e.g., State Department of Education or District Report], approximately [Percentage of non-White students] of students are identified as Black, Hispanic, Asian, multiracial, or other non-White groups. This diversity means some families may be especially vulnerable to trauma or harm if federal enforcement actions occur near schools without clear protections.

Recent events in Minnesota have brought this danger into sharper focus, showing what can happen when schools and local governments are unprepared for rapidly escalating federal enforcement.

[Optional: include if your state has a law or policy limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement: While [State law or policy name] limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement] rightfully prohibits 287(g) agreements, that legal safeguard alone is not enough.]

Our [district/school] must take clear, proactive steps to ensure our students, faculty, staff, and families are protected from unnecessary trauma, violence, or arrest on or near school property.

[State Department of Education or Governor’s Office] is urging districts to adopt clear policies regarding immigration enforcement, student safety, and data privacy. I would like to understand whether our district has reviewed or implemented any of those recommendations, and if not, whether there are plans to do so in the near future.

I’m respectfully requesting the following:

— Details of any existing or in-progress protocols related to federal immigration enforcement near schools, including whether coordination is happening with local law enforcement, the Governor’s office, or the [State Department of Education or relevant agency];

— A clear timeline for when any guidance, safety plans, or procedures will be made available to families if they do not already exist;

— A commitment to community engagement, including opportunities for parents like myself to contribute to the development or review of any such plans—whether through advisory sessions, open forums, etc.

[Optional: include if you would like to offer assistance or ongoing involvement: I’m happy to assist—whether that means drafting guidance, connecting with advocacy organizations, or identifying and bringing together other families who share these concerns. I’m raising this because I care deeply—and because I believe we have the tools and leadership to act proactively, before this crisis reaches our doorstep.]

I look forward to your response and to hearing more about how we can all work together to ensure that our schools remain as safe and trusted as possible for all families.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Optional: Parent/Guardian at School Name]
[Optional: Contact Information]