Moral Leadership and Unwavering Respect for All Kids: A Superintendent's Perspective

Scott Kizner is the superintendent for Stafford County Public Schools and the former superintendent of Harrisonburg, VA schools. He was a 2014 nominee for Virginia'south Superintendent of the Twelvemonth. He was recently featured in a Washington Mail service commodity about the district'southward ongoing outreach to immigrant families regarding their concerns near immigration enforcement in school buildings. In this Q&A for Colorín Colorado, he talks about his district's approach and what he sees as his leadership role in those efforts.

^{Photo credit: WHSV-TV Channel 3, Harrisonburg, VA. Used with permission.}

Can you lot tell united states of america a little bit nearly the Harrisonburg, VA school district and your ELL / immigrant population?

Harrisonburg Metropolis Schools educates approximately 6100 students. Approximately 35% are ELL students. We are also a refugee resettlement city and nosotros receive about 60 students a twelvemonth through the resettlement agency. Over 40 languages and l countries are represented by our students.

What steps is your district taking to support and communicate with families on issues surrounding immigration?

We have created a Q & A sheet for parents on their rights and how to obtain assistance. We too informed our parents on the importance of having a plan merely in case they are separated from their children. We are also hosting a series of parent/community meetings to address the issues that might exist of bang-up importance to immigrants and refugees. Finally, we have established a page on our website to provide parents with resources and other information.

Tell u.s.a. virtually the crisis team you have established.

Staffs representing the departments accept been assigned as our lead to team to keep informed of events and information pertaining to clearing. The team consists of our customs coordinator, head of psychological services, banana superintendents, HS primary, EL coordinators. We are also working with New Bridges, an bureau that serves immigrants in the Harrisonburg area. This grouping is prepared to answer to situations quickly if necessary including providing students and their parents support.

What are the about important steps schools can encourage families to take in the event of separation?

School divisions need to make sure emergency contact data is updated and at that place is clear advice and expectations shared with the school on matters related to separation, specifically who would picket the student and other data like details about physicians, allergies, etc.

Every bit a district leader, what has been your role in directing the response to educatee / family anxiety and questions in recent months?

My main role is to provide moral leadership and also make school resources available to the students, families and community. It is also of import I share what our legal role is and non to over-hope, only also take steps to alleviate fear. Beingness forthright and keeping the communication channels open up with the school customs is critical.

Can you tell u.s.a. about the guidance that the country schools chief of Virginia offered to local superintendents?

Yes. The guidance has reinforced what we are doing and making it clear that all children residing in Harrisonburg need to be taught.

Would you share the chestnut from The Washington Post commodity about the mother y'all reassured?

A meeting was held at one of our unproblematic schools (Hispanic PTO meeting) on the topic of clearing soon after the President's executive order on immigration and displacement. The meeting was well attended and I took many questions from those in attendance. Ane parent was emotionally upset on the possibility that she could exist separated from her child and I went over to her to show support. Information technology was at that time that I too told parents that they must take a programme merely in case they are separated.

How would you lot respond to school leaders who are hesitant to provide such reassurances a) considering they can't provide any guarantees about what will happen to families or b) for political reasons?

It is important to be honest to parents on what our limitations are as a school sectionalisation, but it is as well important to state that nosotros are a welcoming schoolhouse division for all children and we will follow the police force as it pertains to access to records and child contact by outside agencies including law enforcement. We have met with our local police force and social services to coordinate messaging and response.

I recognize that educational leaders work and live in dissimilar socio-cultural-political environments. Each leader has to make a personal judgment on what they believe is in the all-time interest of their children. I am fortunate to be in a community that appreciates the diverseness and the mayor and I put a video together emphasizing our rich tradition of acceptance in Harrisonburg. I besides know and have received criticism by a few simply my focus has to be our students and doing what I believe is in their best interest. The school board and customs at large have been very supportive.

Who are some of the staff in your district having an important bear on on this issue?

Honestly, anybody. Harrisonburg is a very diverse and pocket-size community and this makes it more than personal, I believe.

Do yous take whatever guidance for increasing the knowledge base of staff throughout the commune regarding issues or concerns of immigrant and refugee students?

In particular, we've heard from educators who would like to know what steps they can take to ensure that forepart office staff are upwardly-to-date about relevant policies. This has been an ongoing effort of ours and nosotros continue to brand sure all viii of our schools are aware of our efforts. I meet periodically with our principals on this issue and others to coordinate our efforts. It is expected that they are keeping their staff informed.

Do yous take any guidance for fostering dialogue betwixt staff who many have differing viewpoints?

Information technology is important that nosotros respect the dissimilar viewpoints of others and not silence those opinions if channeled correctly. Withal, our school division has clear set of core beliefs that need to exist adhered to. Virtually importantly our staff must show unwavering respect and acceptance of all children regardless if they are an immigrant or not.

What steps can an private teacher take to clarify his/her understanding of the policy in the district regarding efforts on behalf of immigrant students and families?

We are hearing from teachers who really desire to exist helpful but are nervous to do so in the absence of clear guidance.

What kinds of partnerships can schools create or strengthen to support their immigrant families at this point in fourth dimension?

Information technology's disquisitional to work with houses of worship, civic groups and non-profits that have a like mission. I think you lot should be transparent, and every bit superintendent I am comfortable taking a leadership role on this matter.

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