Safe and Inclusive Schools

Dear Aldine Guardians:

Aldine ISD is aware of recent news regarding changes to federal immigration laws and understands this may cause uncertainty for our families. We are committed to providing a high-quality education and ensuring the safety of all students, regardless of immigration status. We are here to support our students and will continue to provide them with a supportive and enriching educational environment that will prepare them with the knowledge and skills necessary for lifelong success.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student education records and restricts the sharing of personally identifiable information (PII) without parental consent. This includes data that might indirectly reveal a student’s immigration status. Furthermore, FERPA generally prohibits schools from sharing student records with immigration or law enforcement agencies without parental consent or a judicial warrant.

Aldine ISD remains committed to fostering a welcoming environment for all students and their families. In alignment with our commitment to student safety and privacy, if immigration officials request an interview with a student, campus administrators will promptly notify parents to ensure they are informed and involved in the process. We understand the concerns that may arise from changes in these federal policies and want to assure you that our priority is to provide a safe and supportive learning environment.

As a public school district, Aldine ISD will continue to adhere to all applicable state and federal guidelines. We will monitor the situation closely and provide appropriate guidance and support to our staff and students.

We recognize that navigating these situations can be challenging. Counselors are available as needed for students.

As always, Aldine ISD is dedicated to providing an unparalleled education for every child who enters our schools. We are grateful for your ongoing support and partnership.

Sincerely,

Dr. LaTonya Goffney
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Aldine ISD Staff:

There has been recent news about changes to federal immigration laws. This may cause uncertainty for our families and staff. Aldine ISD is committed to providing a high-quality education and ensuring the safety of all students, regardless of immigration status. We are here to support our students and staff, and will continue to provide them with a supportive and enriching educational environment that will prepare them with the knowledge and skills necessary for lifelong success.

This afternoon, we will share a message with parents and guardians to remind them that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student education records and restricts the sharing of personally identifiable information (PII) without parental consent. This includes data that might indirectly reveal a student’s immigration status. Furthermore, FERPA generally prohibits schools from sharing student records with immigration or law enforcement agencies without parental consent or a judicial warrant.

Thank you for continuing to foster a welcoming environment for all students and their families. In alignment with our commitment to student safety and privacy, this is a reminder of board policy GRA which provides that campus staff and administrators will promptly notify parents to ensure they are informed and involved in the process in the event that law enforcement officials request an interview with a student.

As a public school district, Aldine ISD will continue to adhere to all applicable state and federal guidelines. We will monitor the situation closely and provide appropriate guidance. This is an evolving situation. We will do our best to update you as new information becomes available.

We recognize that navigating these situations can be challenging. Counselors are available for students, and our Employee Assistance Program is available to all employees who might need additional support.

Thank you for your commitment and dedication to Aldine ISD. Together, we will continue to make an #AldineImpact in the lives of our students.

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya Goffney
Superintendent of Schools