Lake County Gazette

Beach Park Community Consolidated School District 3 has issued a statement addressing concerns among families following reports of increased federal immigration officials in the region and the possible use of Great Lakes Naval Station as a coordination site. The district sought to reassure families that schools remain safe and welcoming for all students.

Superintendent Dr. Denise Wilcox emphasized the district’s commitment to student safety and privacy. “Our priority is to reassure you that our schools remain safe and welcoming for every student and to connect families with trusted resources. One of the most important resources we want to provide is through, , which provides guidance and support on navigating immigration related challenges,” Wilcox stated.

The district reminded families to keep their contact information current with school administrative assistants, highlighting that accurate emergency contacts are essential for effective communication during important updates.

Wilcox reiterated the district’s policies regarding student privacy: “We do not collect information about a student’s immigration status, and student records are protected by law. Federal agents cannot access students without a valid federal warrant, signed by a judge. Our staff are trained to follow the proper legal protocols established by our District should any situation arise.”

Additional protocols were outlined in response to concerns about potential actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The district clarified that educational records are confidential under federal and state law, cannot be disclosed without a court order, and that it does not request or collect citizenship or immigration status from students or their families. The district also stated it will not coordinate with ICE or assist in enforcing federal civil immigration law.

Wilcox added, “The District will not grant ICE agents entry onto or into its buildings, unless they can produce and are executing a criminal warrant signed by a judge. Even when there is a criminal warrant, students have a right to an attorney before talking to ICE and are protected by their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.”

School administrators have received training on students’ rights and appropriate protocols if ICE agents arrive at school buildings. In such cases, issues are referred directly to Superintendent Wilcox who consults immediately with the district’s attorney.

Wilcox concluded: “I know this is a very sensitive topic for many people within our learning community but please know the District will continue to follow all laws protecting our children and their right to attend public school.”

Beach Park Community Consolidated School District 3 serves several schools in Lake County, including Beach Park Middle School, Howe Elementary School, Kenneth Murphy School, Newport Elementary School, and Oak Crest School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the district employs 149 teachers earning an average salary of $63,553; nearly 79 percent are women (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). Demographically, the student body is composed of approximately 54 percent Hispanic students, 22 percent Black students, 16 percent White students, and just over 2 percent Asian students (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In 2020, spending per student was $22,192 for a total expenditure of more than $46 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).