Supporting Our Families Amid Changes in Federal Immigration Policy

Supporting Our Families Amid Changes in Federal Immigration Policy

January 28, 2025

Dear Temple ISD Families and Staff,

Ensuring a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students remains at the heart of Temple ISD’s mission. As you know, we deeply value each of our students and families.

We understand that recent federal discussions surrounding changes in immigration guidance may be causing uncertainty for some in our community. These issues are more than policy matters. They are deeply personal and can weigh heavily on our students, families, and staff.

As your superintendent my primary responsibility is to provide schools where children can focus on learning, growing, and thriving. Earlier this week, Temple ISD worked with our attorney’s and sent out guidance to all staff members. This guidance is defensible, legal, and protects our obligations to serve and protect our students and staff. With that in mind, all students who enter our doors, regardless of background or immigration status, remain safe and protected in Temple ISD. This applies to buildings, school buses, playgrounds, and all other school district property.

It is imperative to balance compliance of laws and the obligation to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. Our legal guidance ensures that our schools remain a welcoming place of learning, while protecting the rights of all students and staff. All students have the right to a public education and cannot be denied based on immigration status.

I want to reassure you that Temple ISD will continue to ensure that our schools are safe places where all students can learn and succeed.

 

Sincerely,

Bobby Ott

Superintendent