SPOKANE, Wash. — Dr. Adam Swinyard, Superintendent of Spokane Public Schools, is addressing recent concerns regarding immigration enforcement and its impact on schools.
In a message to students, staff and families, Swinyard emphasized the priority of ensuring students feel safe and supported.
“Our priority is that every student attends school feeling safe and supported as they pursue their dreams and aspirations,” Swinyard stated in the letter.
Swinyard outlined the district’s policies and procedures related to immigration enforcement.
“School administrators have been trained on these protocols,” Swinyard said, highlighting the district’s efforts to maintain consistency and adherence to the law.
For more information on the district’s procedures, visit the district’s policy here.
SPS Superintendent Dr. Adam Swinyard’s full statement:
SPS Students, Staff and Families:
Over the last several months and especially in recent weeks, we’ve heard questions and concerns regarding how immigration enforcement in the community impacts our schools.
Our priority is that every student attends school feeling safe and supported as they pursue their dreams and aspirations. We have clear policies and procedures (read our policy here) regarding immigration enforcement and schools, which align with the law, and are intended to create an atmosphere where students can learn, free from distraction and without fear.
School administrators have been trained on these protocols, and they’ve been instructed to coordinate closely with central office leadership to ensure consistency and adherence to the law and individual student rights. Any specific concerns or questions should be directed to building principals.
We will continue to advocate that every possible effort is made to limit the impact of immigration enforcement on students and families. The harm to individual students and their school communities is very real, as we’ve experienced firsthand at Logan Elementary.
As a school district, our commitment is simple and unwavering: We are here for kids and their education. More than ever, we must unite as a community to see each other as people first and pursue conversations and dialogue that will bring us closer together.
We are here to offer support and assistance as students and their families navigate these challenging times, and we will always focus our efforts on thoughts and actions that build a stronger community that is bonded through relationships and hope.
