01.16.26 - Community Newsletter
This week, there have been reports of activities by agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Brunswick. Brunswick School Department (BSD) remains committed to the academic success of all students, regardless of their immigration status or home language. The district will comply with all applicable state and federal laws and district policies.
Although we cannot predict where or when ICE agents may be active or how they will conduct those activities, I want to reassure the school community of the district’s protocols and practices regarding ICE.
Access to Student Information
No student information will be shared without permission or proper judicial documentation signed by a judge. According to district policies and federal laws, district employees are prohibited from sharing any student information without a valid judicial warrant or subpoena, including whether the student is enrolled at the school or in the district.
Access to School Facilities
Under the law, ICE agents may enter public areas of schools (such as lobbies) but may not enter secure areas (such as learning spaces, cafeterias, and hallways) without a warrant signed by a judge. If ICE agents show up at a BSD school or site, staff will inform their principal and treat the agent like any other adult. Specifically, they will restrict the agents to the lobby while they determine why the agents are there and whether they have permissions or judicial documentation to conduct their intended activity. Buses are considered private spaces, and ICE agents may not enter a bus without a judicial warrant.
Detained Caregivers
If a parent/caregiver is detained by ICE while their child is attending school, school staff who have a relationship with the student (e.g., teacher, counselor, or social worker) will share the information and provide support to the student. The school or district will contact emergency contacts to pick up the student (and siblings). If there are no emergency contacts listed or available, the school or district will contact the Maine Department of Human Services to determine appropriate care for the student. Students may not be housed by BSD staff unless they are designated contacts. If the family caring for the student resides outside of Brunswick School Department boundaries, they will qualify as homeless and the district will provide transportation so the student can continue to attend their school.
ICE Activity in the Community
If the district is aware of ICE activity in the community, the central office will monitor the situation and will work collaboratively with local law enforcement to determine the best course of action. If the activity is taking place at the end of the school day, the district may hold the bus(es).
School will be closed on Monday, January 19th in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to achieving racial equality through peaceful protests, inspiring generations with his message of justice and compassion.
His legacy is honored each January as families and schools reflect on civil rights and the importance of treating everyone with respect.
PreK Information Night is being held on Tuesday, February 3rd from 6:00-7:00 PM at Kate Furbish Elementary School located at 75 Jordan Avenue. Eligible children must be 4 years old on or before 10/15/26. Please use this QR code to learn more information about the PreK Programming at the Brunswick School Department.
Sam Boyd
Social Studies Teacher
BHS
Sam grew up in Lawrenceburg, TN attended Lawrence County High School and graduated from Freed-Hardeman University. His family is spread all over the country, but feels fortunate to have friends who are like family here in Maine. His mom, a retired teacher and instrumental figure in his formation as an educator, now lives her retirement dream in Hawaii.
What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud
The spirit of community and collaboration that exists here is a treasure, and I am honored to join this team!
What do you like to do outside of work for fun?
I love to travel, kayak, hike, and listen to live music. I have lived in Maine before and enjoyed snowshoeing during winter.
Favorite line from a movie?
"10am tomorrow, Santa's comin' to town...Santa!!!" ~Elf
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
Angela Merkel, former Chancellor of Germany
What is something you learned in the last week?
I learned what it was like to be on "Deadliest Catch" while riding the Hardy Boat to Monhegan Island during high winds and swell.
Open Employment Positions:
- Director of Facilities Management - District
- Accounts Payable Coordinator - District
- Coaching Positions have been posted! Brunswick High and Brunswick Jr. High School
- Softball, Baseball, Tennis, Lacrosse, Track, - Check them all out!
- Substitute Nurses, Teachers, Ed Techs, Tutors
- Resource Educational Technician - Brunswick Jr High School
- Self Contained Behavior Educational Technician - Harriet Beecher Stowe School
- Long Term Sub Educational Technician - Brunswick Jr High School
- School Bus Drivers!!
- Apprentice/Ed Tech I & Bus Aides
- Substitute Bus Drivers, Van Drivers, & Custodians
- ...And MORE!
We're hiring for multiple positions. Visit our website to view
all current employment opportunities!
You can view previous newsletters on our website!
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