Lansdowne, PA – January 28, 2026

Please see the letter below that was sent to the WPSD community.

Dear WPSD Team,

The William Penn School District is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for every student, regardless of immigration status. In February 2025, the Board of School Directors approved an Immigration Resolution, declaring the District a Safe Zone. This resolution ensures that all students can access a free public K-12 education without fear of disruption due to federal immigration enforcement activities.

We also want to reinforce guidance shared by our solicitor, Mr. David Conn, in my email sent on February 26, 2025, which outlined procedures, staff responsibilities, and protections regarding immigration enforcement in schools. The information from that communication remains accurate and continues to guide our District practices.

Key points for students, families, staff, and community members include:

Board Resolution – Safe Zone:

• The District will not allow immigration enforcement activities to disrupt the learning environment.
• Any requests from immigration enforcement agencies must be directed to the Superintendent’s Office for review.
• No student data regarding immigration status or place of birth will be collected or shared.
• The resolution reinforces the District’s commitment to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and student privacy protections.

District Preparedness for ICE Visits:

The District has a clear plan if ICE agents appear at any school:

• The senior building administrator will immediately contact the Superintendent.
• The Superintendent, in consultation with the District solicitor, will respond to any ICE inquiry.
• Teachers and staff are not expected to question or engage with ICE agents.
• In the highly unlikely event that ICE agents are in a school without an administrator present, staff will contact the central office immediately.
• To date, there have been no reports of ICE enforcement actions at William Penn School District buildings.

FERPA and Student Privacy:

• The District does not ask about a student’s immigration status.
• Any information a student may volunteer about their immigration status is kept private and is not recorded or shared.
• Requests for student information from anyone other than a parent or guardian are directed to the Superintendent’s Office.

Supporting Students:

• Some students may feel anxious about immigration enforcement.
• School counselors are available to support students with questions or concerns.
• Families and staff should notify the school if a student has recently stopped attending or seems worried. Staff will provide support while protecting student privacy and safety.

Ongoing Awareness:

• The District continues to monitor guidance from federal and state authorities and will share updates as needed.

The William Penn School District remains dedicated to ensuring that every child can learn, grow, and thrive without fear. Our policies, procedures, and the Board-approved resolution, along with the guidance shared by our solicitor last year, reflect our ongoing commitment to student safety, privacy, and well-being.

Families, staff, and community members with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact their school or the District office for more information.

Sincerely,

Dr. Eric J. Becoats