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Free informational talk with our school counselor and social worker. " Building Independence and Executive Functioning Skills In Children".  Thursday, March 27th, 6-7pm at the Morse Street School. 

January 31, 2025

Dear RSU 5 Community,

The current administration announced its intention to conduct extensive immigration enforcement actions targeting undocumented individuals.  An executive order signed by the President has expanded the scope to allow these operations to take place in schools and places of worship, locations that had been considered “sensitive” and largely inaccessible since 2011.

RSU 5 remains committed to fostering the success of all students, regardless of their immigration status or home language.  Although we are not aware of impending action by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), we recognize that our families, staff and community may have questions and concerns. The following guidance outlines the actions we will take to support students and staff in the event of immigration enforcement. 

How will the school handle visits from immigration officials?  

School staff will ask for valid identification and direct immigration officials to the main office. Immigration officials are not permitted to enter other areas of the school without a valid warrant. 

School administrators will be called immediately to:  

Inform the officials that the school will comply with their request as required by law.  

Record the officials’ names, badge numbers, agency affiliation, and the details of the visit, including the date and time.  

Notify the Superintendent immediately. 

The Superintendent will determine whether the warrant presented is legally valid. 

What information may be shared with immigration officials?  

Student information is protected.  Our district will not release any student information unless a valid warrant is provided.  

Can the School Resource Officer share student details?  

Student information is protected.  The School Resource Officer is not authorized to disclose any student information without a valid warrant. 

What qualifies as a valid warrant?  

Warrants are only valid if they are issued by a Federal District Judge or Magistrate Judge from the U.S. District Court. This type of warrant permits an immigration officer or member of law enforcement to search or seize property and to enter non-public areas, such as a school, and to arrest a person named in an arrest warrant.  

Administrative warrants issued by ICE, however, do not meet this standard. They are “warrants” that are issued internally by immigration officials to authorize the detention of individuals suspected of immigration law violations. As they do not qualify as legal warrants under the Fourth Amendment, they do not grant immigration officers the authority to enter non-public areas of the school grounds or access school records. 

What steps will the school take if immigration officials attempt to detain someone?  

School staff will not physically intervene or obstruct immigration officers from carrying out their duties. However, a valid warrant is required to permit the apprehension of an individual in non-public areas of the school.  

If a student is detained, school administrators will immediately contact the student’s parents or guardians unless the warrant or subpoena explicitly prohibits this notification.  

What happens if a parent or guardian is deported?  

In the event that a student’s parent or guardian is deported, the school will use the student’s emergency contact information to identify another authorized individual to pick up the student. If no contact is listed or reachable, the school will seek support from the Department of Health and Human Services.  

In RSU 5, we are steadfast in our commitment to supporting all students, regardless of background.  Our schools have always been safe places where children can learn, grow and have a sense of belonging.

While we are bound to adhere to and comply with all applicable state and federal laws, please know that we will continue to ensure that our schools remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming for each and every child. 

Sincerely,

Jean M. Skorapa, Superintendent of Schools