January 23, 2025

Immigration Enforcement

I have heard from many members seeking resources on how to talk to their staff and families about the new administration’s direction with immigrants and immigration. Earlier this week it was declared that schools are no longer considered “sensitive areas,” exempt from immigration enforcement. Here is an article that explains the change.

On Wednesday, I wrote the commissioner and deputy commissioner requesting guidance from MDE for schools. Last week in the Henton Headlines, I shared a toolkit and other resources for your use from MnEEP, the Minnesota Education Equity Partnership. 

Until we have official guidance from the state, I recommend you review the MnEEP toolkit sent last week and contact your school district legal counsel with any questions you might have regarding immigration officials possibly entering school grounds.  

Finally, I received this information from St. Cloud Superintendent Laurie Putnam that was vetted through her school district’s legal counsel. I highly recommend you read through it as it will be beneficial to your efforts moving forward.

Have You Been Contacted by Legislators to Testify?

I wanted to share a quick note regarding any direct invitations you may receive from legislators to provide testimony. While you are, of course, free to engage as you see fit, it would be great to hear from you about these opportunities, as it helps us coordinate efforts and amplify our collective advocacy.

I would appreciate the opportunity to have a comprehensive list of topics about which school leaders have been asked to testify and what areas of the state have been represented in testimony.

If you’re contacted, please don’t hesitate to reach out—MASA’s lobbyist Valerie Dosland and I are always available to support you in any way that might be helpful.

Thank you for your continued leadership, collaboration, and advocacy efforts.

In Light of the Two Previous Headlines, I Offer the Following:

Colleagues,

In times of tension and uncertainty, our strength lies in our ability to come together as a unified community. While challenges may test us, they also present opportunities to reaffirm our shared purpose and support one another in meaningful ways.

Unity does not mean we must all think or act the same, but rather that we remain committed to listening, collaborating, and focusing on what matters most—our shared goals and the well-being of each of those we serve. Together, we can navigate difficulties with resilience, creativity, and compassion.

Thank you for your continued dedication to public education and for being a part of a collective effort that makes us stronger. Your leadership and commitment make a difference every day.

Deb 

Leadership Matters!

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” - Ernest Hemingway

"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“You’re not obligated to win. You’re obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day.” - Marion Wright Edelman