News

Dear District 54 Families,

School District 54 is committed to fostering a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment in all of our schools. In fact, one of our goals specifically states that “District 54 will ensure the success of the whole child by providing comprehensive approaches and programming, grounded in the belief that each child deserves to be healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged.”

It is with that goal in mind that we issued guidance to our staff related to the recent changes in the federal immigration policies that state schools are no longer “protected areas/sensitive locations.” Our guidance was developed with the support of our legal counsel in alignment with the Illinois State Board of Education. The Illinois State Board of Education guidance is as follows.

• Every child is entitled to a free public education, a right that was solidified by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Plyler v. Doe. Therefore, District 54 cannot legally ask about a student’s or family’s immigration status when we register students for school.  

• District 54 is bound by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Illinois School Student Records Act (ISSRA). These laws prevent us from sharing student records with immigration officials, law enforcement or anyone without the consent of the child’s parent/guardian or legal documentation.

• Despite the changes in federal policies, all law enforcement officials, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, must still present a valid judicial warrant or parent consent to interact with students.

Once again, School District 54’s focus is on creating a safe place for all students to learn, grow and thrive. 

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me or your child’s principal.

Sincerely,

Superintendent Andy DuRoss