Lake County Gazette

During the Board of Education Meeting on February 6, 2025, Mr. Doug Goldberg addressed attendees with a message focusing on the district's commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

"Our district stands at the heart of a diverse and vibrant community," said Goldberg. He emphasized that the district is not involved in immigration enforcement and does not collect information regarding students' immigration status, aligning with Illinois law.

Goldberg outlined procedures to handle any potential immigration-related situations responsibly:

- District administration staff and building administrators are directed to respond swiftly to inquiries from external agencies, communicating immediately with the superintendent’s office.

- Front office staff will screen all visitors, including federal agents, directing them to wait outside or in designated areas without discussing requests related to students or staff.

- Building administrators will verify credentials and gather relevant information, ensuring matters are addressed at the district office while contacting the superintendent’s office promptly.

- All other staff members are advised against initiating discussions about immigration matters with students but are trained to listen empathetically if such concerns arise.

Additionally, discussions about immigration in subjects like ELA and Social Studies will remain fact-based and politically neutral.

"We are guided by principles of respect, empathy, and confidentiality," said Goldberg. He assured that legal compliance would be maintained while upholding ethical standards.

Goldberg concluded by reaffirming the district's focus on creating a nurturing learning environment: "We stand together as a community to support one another, ensuring our schools remain places where every child feels valued, respected, and protected. "