School administrators have a critical role in ensuring all students feel safe, supported and able to thrive during uncertain times.

Over the last month, many of our members have approached me expressing concerns about potential policies that President-elect Donald Trump has proposed. While we have been deliberate in striking a careful tone and looking for possible areas of collaboration with the incoming administration, we have also been adamant that our job at ACSA is to advocate for the best interests of our students — regardless of who or what party holds office in Washington, D.C., or Sacramento.

Unfortunately, the incoming federal administration has signaled changes to public education policy that may affect funding, student rights and community stability. At ACSA, we are committed to helping our schools and students navigate these challenges thoughtfully and effectively.      

The potential for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants is the topic that has generated the most stress across the state. The Children’s Partnership reports that one in every 10 California students has an undocumented parent. That could mean uncertainty for more than a million California public school students. Regardless of our personal views on immigration enforcement, the reality is that every educator in California has a responsibility to serve every child who arrives at their campus, whether they have legal status or not.

Reports that the new administration is planning mass immigration raids in many communities and is considering changing rules so that immigration agents can conduct raids in places such as churches and school campuses would have devastating and unsettling impacts on our schools.

I’m never fond of predictions, and it’s too early to determine whether these reports are legitimate or political narratives. Nonetheless, we are prepared to act resiliently and commit to our students and communities.

We’ve spent the past month collaborating with advocacy groups, attorneys and education stakeholders to create and compile resources that have been placed on the ACSA Resource Hub. These resources address the arrival of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on school campuses, people’s rights under the United States Constitution, and free legal services for immigrants living in California.

We also feature content on culturally responsive social support programs, information to support LEAs serving newcomer students and their families, and sample family preparedness plans. We will continue to add resources, and I encourage you to talk to us if you need specific ones to help your school community. Each community faces unique challenges, and ACSA is here to help you navigate them.

We at ACSA remain steadfast in our commitment to California’s students and educators. Together, we will meet these challenges with purpose, compassion, and collaboration, ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.