Dear FPS Community:

The Framingham Public Schools (FPS) recognize that as we start a new presidential chapter that there are escalating concerns about the scope of authority of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and changes that have just recently been announced which seem to contradict previous enforcement protections. 

We acknowledge that our students may be withdrawing emotionally and physically from our schools out of fear and we want to be as supportive, resourceful, and forthcoming as possible with the information that we have available to us at this time.

Please be advised that, at this time:

• There is a limit to executive (presidential) action, and Congress is also responsible for immigration policy. 

• Despite media sensationalism, schools can set the tone for their school community and provide supportive and welcoming environments for all students and families.

• The FPS Welcome Center, our Student Registration Team, and our Wraparound Team will continue to provide support for students and families when enrolling in the Framingham Public Schools, including but not limited to language support and information on how to access community resources.

• When students register for school, the District does not and will not ask about immigration status nor does the District disclose such information or release student records without parental consent or a court order. 

• If ICE presents an administrative warrant, they cannot enter a home, school, or private space without explicit permission. A judicial warrant, however, does allow entry, and schools or individuals must comply.

• The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is working with the State Office for Refugees and Immigrants to present webinars to school district leaders and with a follow-up for school and district staff and teams about immigrant and refugee students’ rights in light of possible changes to immigration policy at the federal level. 

• DESE presentations will include an overview of legal resources for immigrants in the Commonwealth, public charge, know your rights resources, and guidance for interaction with immigration officers.  

• The first DESE webinar will be for superintendents, charter school leaders, and leaders of education collaboratives is on January 27, 2025.

• The second DESE webinar is on February 5, 2025 and will be for district teams, including principals, guidance counselors, homeless liaisons, enrollment specialists, family liaisons, teachers of English for speakers of other languages, and any other staff who interact with immigrant students. 

Please be assured that, as your Superintendent, I will continue to stay in contact with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS), and the Framingham Legislative Delegation and will share any guidance that I receive with our families, staff, administrators, and School Committee members as we all do our best to ensure protections for our students to the extent of the law.

Very truly yours,

Bob Tremblay

Superintendent of Schools