School Board Will Focus on Immigration Issues at Special Meeting Monday

The Pasadena Unified School District has implemented a multi-faceted safety initiative to support immigrant students and families that the Board of Education will review at a special meeting Monday night.

The “Hopeful Horizons” program, established in January, has the mission of creating secure learning environments through extensive staff training, policy development, and specialized safety protocols for summer programs.

The board will discuss Resolution 2830, which directs the superintendent to develop a comprehensive plan protecting students and families from immigration enforcement activities on school grounds.

Key components of the initiative included mandatory training for principals, administrators, counselors, and support staff by F3 Law in February, and additional training for summer program leads in June.  F3 Law is an education law firm representing more than 500 of California’s educational institutions, including school districts, community college districts, SELPAs, county offices of education, private schools, and related agencies.

Summer safety protocols feature secure campus entry points, modified food services, controlled bus transportation, and staff volunteers willing to support families hesitant to leave their homes.

The district has also developed internal guidance documents, including an “At-a-Glance” resource for staff.

Additional support includes flexible learning options, providing remote learning equipment, and updating emergency contact information for families.

The Board of Education meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the Elbie J. Hickambottom Board Room, 351 South Hudson Avenue, with provisions for Spanish and ASL translation services.