Reaffirming our support for all students

As we anticipate another deep philosophical and fundamental shift in our federal government’s policies with a new administration preparing to take leadership, I would like to reaffirm the City School District of Albany’s enduring commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of everyone in our school community.

We believe that the diversity of our school district is our greatest strength. The rich tapestry of cultures and ethnicities that makes up the student population in all of our schools is an asset that fortifies and informs our learning environments.

It provides myriad opportunities for all of us to grow as educators, as students and as people.

The City of Albany is a sanctuary city, one of just 34 federally designated resettlement cities nationwide. As the public school district in our city, we take seriously our responsibility to uphold those values.

We have shared legal reminders with all of our principals and administrators about their rights and responsibilities when law enforcement officials, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, come to school seeking to question a student on district property.

Law enforcement officers from any agency are permitted to question a student on district property only under one of these circumstances:

• They have a lawfully issued warrant providing court-authorized access to a student, or
• With consent from a parent or guardian, or
• If the student is accused of committing a crime on school property, and school or district personnel invite law enforcement officers to investigate 

If one of these criteria is met, we will comply with the request.

If none of the criteria is met, law enforcement officers are not permitted to speak to a student on school property. We have instructed our administrators on the appropriate steps to follow should these circumstances occur. That includes denying law enforcement officials entry into the building if they lack the proper legal authorization.

This guidance from our legal team also aligns with guidance that the State Education Department has provided this week for all New York school districts.

We also would like to remind everyone that we offer many resources for students and families who have questions or would like additional support.  

Please always know you and your children can turn to your principals, teachers and support staff in all of our schools. Our offices of Pupil Personnel Services, ENL and Refugee Services, and School Counseling provide staff members who are trained and ready to respond to all students’ social-emotional needs. Our staff members also can help connect you with community resources to assist with additional questions or concerns. 

You can contact your child’s school for more information, or use one of these phone numbers if you have additional questions or need support:

• Pupil Personnel Services Department  – (518) 475-6130
• Office of ENL and Refugee Services – (518) 475-6147
• Office of the Superintendent – (518) 475-6010

We know this is a very sensitive and unsettling time for many families in our community. We hope this information helps allay some of those concerns, and we will continue to provide updates and additional information as needed. 

Please be assured that, no matter how national events unfold around us, our school district will continue to value and defend every student, family and employee our organization is so proud to serve.

Sincerely,

Joseph Hochreiter
Superintendent