Santa Maria-Bonita School District unanimously reaffirms student protections
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Santa Maria Bonita School District voted unanimously to reaffirm protections for their students.
This has an emphasis on immigration status.
Back in 2017 under the leadership of superintendent Luke Ontiveros, the board unanimously voted to protect their students, regardless of their immigration status.
Now, superintendent Darren McDuffie tells us they are reaffirming the same policy.
Santa Maria Bonita School District encapsulates the Santa Maria valley, with a total of 21 schools, including elementary and jr. high campuses.
“All students have a right to learn and learn in an environment that they can thrive in. And that's what we're trying to do here in Santa Maria,” says Darren McDuffie, Santa Maria-Bonita School District superintendent.
They serve approximately 17,500 students and their families, and the resolution assures every student has the same access to education and resources.
“This is not just a Santa maria issue. This is a issue across the nation where there are families that are living in fear. And that fear translates into our schools and and our students come to school with anxiety,” says superintendent McDuffie.
The board established Resolution 24-23, agreeing to uphold the same policies that Immigration and Customs Enforcement are to be directed strictly to administration in accordance with state and federal law.
“When we did the resolution in 2017, there was some talk, but there was not the widespread concern and fear,” says Linda Cordero, district board president.
The board feels strongly that their schools should foster safety and success for every student, no matter who they are, or who their family members are.
“We want to make sure that fear is not a part of their school experience because we know that will impact their learning and their growth as students. And so we want to make sure that they are happy, they’re healthy, and they're growing and thriving here in our school district,” says superintendent McDuffie.
School officials agree that students will not be successful if they are experiencing any level of fear.
The board strongly reinforces their policies to foster success and thriving citizenship for every student, on an individual basis.
