Monday, August 11, 2025

School Board Reviews Immigration Enforcement Preparedness Ahead of New School Year

The Pasadena Unified School District board on Thursday reviewed staff preparations for possible immigration-enforcement activity as the new school year approaches, including districtwide training, an emergency phone line, campus safety signage, and family-preparedness webinars.

The district starts the 2025-26 school year on Monday, August 18.

Staff said the district began trainings in February and continued them through the summer for principals, administrators, counselors and other front-line personnel, with a principals’ refresher held last week and a full-staff session set for Aug. 14.

Guidance has been consolidated into a quick-reference “one-pager,” and a staff wellness kickoff on Aug. 13 will distribute a 10-month plan pairing well-being with procedural readiness.

The district is partnering with outside public-interest groups to offer family-preparedness webinars the week of Aug. 11, focused on immediate, short-term and long-term planning. Staff said identified personnel will work directly with families to ensure plans and contact information are current. Leaders also cited ongoing coordination with community partners, a dedicated district webpage for updates and “know your rights” resources, and regular national check-ins to monitor conditions.

For families reluctant to attend their home campuses, the Center for Independent Study remains available to keep students on track; Human Resources is staffing those sites accordingly.

In addition, most campus and parent meetings will be offered in hybrid or virtual formats, with a “white-glove” family-engagement service that can include home visits or phone-based proxy completion of required tasks.

Officials framed the work against recent law-enforcement activity in the community and reports of ICE activity in the area, noting the aim is to keep students learning while reducing burdens on families.

The briefing also highlighted operational steps already in place, including an emergency line carried at all times by two staff members and safety signage posted at the Education Center, District Service Center and all campuses to support a coordinated, legally compliant response if needed.