Fridley School Board

The School Board serves as the governing body of Fridley Public Schools District 14 and, within established state guidelines and regulations, determines the educational, financial, and administrative programs and policies under which the district functions.

Fridley PUBLIC schools board of education resolution

Affirming Student Safety, Legal Compliance, and Belonging

WHEREAS, Fridley Public Schools is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments for all students; and 

WHEREAS, under Plyler v. Doe (1982), public school districts are required to provide access to a free public education to students regardless of immigration status and may not take actions that chill or impede that access; and

WHEREAS, federal law restricts the role of public schools in civil immigration enforcement, including limit on the disclosure of student information, access to non-public school spaces, and actions that could interfere with students' constitutional and educational rights; and 

WHEREAS, these restrictions arise from constitutional protections, federal education law, and privacy statutes, including the Fourth Amendment and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); and 

WHEREAS, Fridley Public Schools recognizes that fear or uncertainty related to immigration enforcement - whether real or perceived - can negatively affect student safety, attendance, engagement, and well-being; and 

WHEREAS, Fridley Public Schools affirms that belonging, dignity, and trust are foundational to student safety and learning;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that  the Fridley Public School Board of Education affirms the following;

1. Student safety and Belonging
   Fridley Public Schools shall continue to foster learning environments where every student is valued, supported, and able to learn without fear or intimidation.
    
2. Legal Compliance and Restrictions
   The district shall comply with all applicable federal and state laws, recognizing that federal law restricts public schools from participating in civil immigration enforcement activities and limits cooperation to circumstances where the district is legally compelled to act.
    
3. Access to School Property
   Immigration enforcement officials shall not be granted access to non-public areas of school buildings, school grounds, or school transportation unless presented with a valid judicial warrant or court order, lawfully served upon the Superintendent of Schools, and reviewed and approved by legal counsel.
    
4. Protection of Student Records and Privacy
   Fridley Public Schools shall protect student records in accordance with FERPA and shall not inquire into or disclose a student's or family's immigration status.
    
5. Protocols and Oversight
   Any request related to immigration enforcement shall be immediately referred to the Superintendent who will consult district legal counsel to ensure a lawful, appropriate, and student-centered response.
    
6. Moral Responsibility
   Fridley Public Schools affirms its moral responsibility to care for students, staff and families, recognizing that schools are places of learning, stability, and care, and that student success depends on trust and belonging.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Superintendent is directed to provide guidance and training to staff regarding these legal obligations and district protocols, and to communicate this resolution to the school community, Fridley City Council, and Fridley Public Safety.

Legal Foundations Informing This Resolution

• Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 91982)
  Establishes that states and school districts may not deny or chill access to public education based on immigration status.
   
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C.  § 1232g
  Restricts disclosure of personally identifiable student information without parental consent or a valid judicial subpoena or court order.
   
• Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
  Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures; administrative immigration warrants are not judicial warrants and do not compel school compliance.
   
• Federal Immmigration Law
  Does not require K-12 public schools to assist in civil immigration enforcement and, in practice, restricts school involvement due to constitutional, educational, and privacy obligations.

The Board welcomes and encourages communications from district residents. Communication may take the form of personal or written contacts with members of the board or the district administration. If you wish to offer input, ask a question, or discuss a concern, you may leave a message at the Board Message Line at 763-502-5060, or the superintendent's office at 763-502-5001.

In most cases, concerns or questions about Fridley Public Schools can be most effectively handled by district staff who have specific knowledge about the topic. 

If your concern or questions is related to:

• Classroom Issues: Please contact your student’s classroom teacher first. If you need further assistance resolving, please contact the school principal.
• School Issues: Please contact the school’s principal first. If you need further assistance resolving, please contact the superintendent 763-502-5001.
• District level issues: Please contact the administrator responsible for the relevant area. If you need further assistance resolving, please contact the superintendent 763-502-5001.

School Board Priorities for Operational Improvement

1. Ensure districtwide high-level school performance through review and inquiry.
2. Alignment of policies, procedures, and performance that support best practices linked to high levels of student achievement.
3. Alignment of policies, procedures, and performance that foster an equitable, welcoming, safe, and respectful environment for students, staff, teachers and community.
4. Protect and direct Fridley Public Schools' financial stability through long-range planning and oversight.
5. Continuous improvement of parent, school and community partnerships through public engagement.

Contact the School Board

By email: The school board’s group email address is SchoolBoard@isd14.org. When you use this email address, your message will go to every school board member, with a copy going to the superintendent.

By mail or phone: Questions or comments for the school board can be mailed or left via phone:

Fridley School Board
6000 West Moore Lake Drive | Fridley, MN 55432
Tel: 763-502-5060