Superintendent's Update
Dear CSD Parents/Guardians, Faculty, Staff, and Community,
I am writing to inform you about another important policy change that may affect our school district and to share guidance recently provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Recent Policy Change
On January 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded its "sensitive locations" policy, which previously limited immigration enforcement actions in schools and other designated areas. In response to this change, PDE has developed guidance to help school districts navigate this new landscape while continuing to provide safe and welcoming learning environments.
What This Means for Our District
As we review this policy change, I want to emphasize a fundamental principle that remains unchanged: every child of school age residing in Pennsylvania is entitled to a public school education, regardless of immigration status. This right is firmly established, and our district remains committed to upholding it.
PDE Guidance and Next Steps
PDE has issued comprehensive guidance addressing several key areas that may require review:
- Responding to enforcement personnel on campus
- Handling requests for student records
- Communication protocols with families and staff
- Protecting student privacy and minimizing disruption to learning
Important protections remain in place, including:
- Federal and state laws prohibiting schools from inquiring about immigration status during enrollment
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) restrictions on disclosing student information without proper consent
Our Action Plan
Our administrative team will:
- Continue to work with our district solicitor, special legal counsels to review and update relevant policies and/or administrative regulations as necessary
- Share with our school board on any necessary policy changes
- Coordinate with Pennsylvania education associations for additional guidance
- Provide training to staff on updated procedures as necessary
Our Commitment
Our district remains steadfast in our mission to provide a school climate where all students feel safe, supported, and able to learn. We recognize the potential concerns this policy change may raise for some families, and we are committed to addressing those concerns while maintaining our focus on educational excellence for all students.
We will continue to provide additional updates as we develop our specific response to this policy change. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact [appropriate contact person/office].
Sincerely,
Dana T. Bedden, Ed.D., CAA
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Chief School Administrator,
On January 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded its policy designating schools and other sites as “sensitive locations,” which previously limited immigration enforcement actions in those areas. In light of this change, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has received a number of inquiries from school leaders seeking clarity on how to respond if immigration enforcement personnel arrive on school property or request information.
To support your efforts in ensuring a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students, PDE has developed a guidance document outlining best practices for local education agencies (LEAs). This resource is intended to help LEAs review and update their policies and procedures, and to ensure staff are informed and prepared should such a situation arise.
The guidance emphasizes the legal protections in place for students and families, including federal and state laws that prohibit schools from inquiring about a child’s or parent’s immigration status during enrollment, and restrictions on disclosing student information without proper consent under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
School leaders may wish to consider working with their solicitor, board, and relevant Pennsylvania education associations to ensure their district’s procedures align with the topics provided for consideration, including:
• Responding to enforcement personnel on campus
• Handling requests for student records
• Communicating with families and staff
• Protecting student privacy and minimizing disruption to the learning environment
Finally, I want to reaffirm a core principle of our public education system: every child of school age who resides in a Pennsylvania school district is entitled to a public school education—regardless of immigration status. Upholding this right includes fostering a school climate in which all students feel safe, supported, and able to learn.
Thank you for your continued leadership and for your commitment to ensuring that our schools remain inclusive and responsive learning environments for all students.
Sincerely,
Carrie Rowe, Ed.D.
Acting Secretary of Education
Website: https://www.centennialsd.org/
Location: 48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA, USA
Phone: 215-441-6000