Madison Reporter

As the year 2025 begins, the Sun Prairie Area School District (SPASD) is reaffirming its commitment to supporting immigrant students, families, and staff. In a message addressed to parents and caregivers, district officials emphasized their dedication to maintaining safe and inclusive environments within their schools.

The SPASD Board of Education's Equity Statement clearly states: “We stand by all of our students, staff, and families . . . The SPASD celebrates and values our diverse community. We support and are inclusive of all students, staff, families, and community members of all races, ethnicities, faiths, national origins, home language(s), socioeconomic status, immigration status, political viewpoints, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities . . . All children will be safe and loved in our schools . . . Every Child, Every Day.”

Additionally: “We stand by our immigrant students, staff, and families. All are welcome and safe in our schools regardless of immigration status.”

District leaders assure that all individuals—students or staff—are welcomed irrespective of their immigration status. This policy aligns with federal law ensuring educational access for all students. Moreover, the district protects student information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) while limiting law enforcement activities on school premises.

Regarding potential immigration enforcement actions by agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), SPASD maintains that ICE cannot enter school properties without a judicial warrant. The district plans to work closely with legal counsel to navigate any challenges related to immigration enforcement.

To provide further assistance to immigrant families within the district community, resources are available on the Resources for Immigrant Students & Families webpage.

Superintendent Brad Saron along with Assistant Superintendents Stephanie Leonard (Teaching Learning & Equity) and Nick Reichhoff (Operations) concluded by expressing gratitude for the ongoing partnership in fostering welcoming spaces across SPASD schools.