From the Superintendent
– Dr. Hafedh Azaiez
Dear Round Rock ISD Community,
There is nothing we take more seriously—as district leaders and as parents ourselves—than the safety of our children. Round Rock ISD is dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming learning environment for all our families, students, and staff.
I know that recent news about nationwide immigration activities has been upsetting to many of us in our community, and I want to reassure you that our commitment to our children will not waver.
Our priority is educating students. The district does not and will not collect information regarding the immigration status of any student or their family.
We have worked with our campus staff, Round Rock ISD Police Department, and the Legal Services team to be sure we have steps in place to maintain a secure campus and district environment.
A law enforcement official will not be given access to any student without parental consent unless required to do so by a subpoena, warrant, or other law.
If a law enforcement officer presents a federal or state warrant or subpoena and requests an interview with a student, campus staff will
- Verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority and ask for an explanation of the need to question a student at school;
- Notify the student’s parents or other approved family members;
- Notify the area superintendent and Round Rock ISD police of the request; and,
- Ordinarily, be present for the questioning or interview.
Round Rock ISD has and will continue to comply with a warrant or subpoena from any federal or state court. District police officers will maintain their focus on keeping our campuses safe and secure while working independently from other agencies.
Although Round Rock ISD cannot control the actions of federal immigration or law enforcement officers, we will continue to follow the law, welcome all students, and reassure them of their educational rights and opportunities.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act—commonly known as FERPA—provides protections regarding student information.
- We do not provide records to outside agencies under FERPA unless we have a release from the parent or there is a subpoena/court order directing the release.
- Any campus staff who may receive a request for information about a student from any outside agency, including federal immigration officials, are directed to immediately contact the Round Rock ISD Open Records office to handle the response.
We encourage you to talk with your children about any concerns they have regarding potential immigration enforcement activities. Our counselors are available to help any student or staff member in need of additional support.
Thank you for your trust as we work together as a community to educate and keep safe all of our students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Hafedh Azaiez
Proud Superintendent
#ItStartsWithUs
FAQs
Does Round Rock ISD collect information on student or family immigration status?
No.
Does a student’s immigration status affect their ability to attend school?
No. All students can enroll in public school, regardless of immigration status. This is based on a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1982.
Do undocumented students still qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch?
Yes. All Round Rock ISD students who qualify will continue to receive free meals. The federal free and reduced-cost meal program does not currently require proof of immigration status.
Are undocumented students still allowed to participate in extracurricular activities or athletics?
Yes. All Round Rock ISD students have equal access to extracurricular activities and athletics, regardless of immigration status.
When is Round Rock ISD required to share student information with law enforcement officers?
Under FERPA, we do not typically provide records to outside agencies unless we have a release or a subpoena/court order directing the release. Round Rock ISD board policy GRA(Local), last revised in January 2024, provides further details regarding interactions with external law enforcement officers, including agencies such as CPS.
Who should campus staff contact if they get a request to share student information?
Campus staff should send the request to Open Records.
Are federal immigration officers able to direct the actions of Round Rock ISD police officers?
No. ICE cannot dictate the actions of Round Rock ISD police, who will maintain their focus on keeping our campuses safe and secure while working independently.
What should a campus do if federal immigration officers were to arrive on campus?
A law enforcement official will not be given access to any student without parental consent unless required to do so by a subpoena, warrant, or other law.
Should a law enforcement officer request an interview with a student, campus staff will
- Verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority and ask for an explanation of the need to question a student at school;
- Make reasonable efforts to notify the student’s parents or other approved family members;
- Notify the area superintendent, the Legal Services Department, and Round Rock ISD police of the request; and,
- Ordinarily, be present for the questioning or interview.
How is Round Rock ISD working to keep students safe on campus?
There is nothing we take more seriously than the safety of our students. Round Rock ISD is dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming learning environment for all our families, students, and staff. We will comply with warrants or subpoenas from federal or state courts.
How does the district handle bullying or harassment related to immigration?
Round Rock ISD has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment of any kind. Students, staff, and families can report any bullying incident using the district’s Anonymous Reporting system.
How is the district supporting students or staff who may be anxious or worried because of the recent immigration-related news?
Our counselors will continue to be available to help any student in need of additional support. Additionally, the district’s Behavioral Health Team of social workers are available to support students in need. The district staffs a dedicated social worker for employees and provides all employees access to a zero-cost Employee Assistance Program, which includes free counseling services to employees and their family members.
Resources
Round Rock ISD staff may only share information with students and families that meet our board guidelines regarding the “distribution of non-school literature.” Board policy GKDA(Local) provides guidelines for that process. Staff must continue to obtain approval from their principal for any document that is not created by Round Rock ISD before it is sent home with students.
Family Preparedness Plan – The Immigrant Legal Resource Center provides guidance on important document-gathering and emergency contact planning. Family Preparedness Plan in Spanish
Communicate with your child’s campus – Make sure your contact, emergency contact, and authorized pickup information are up-to-date. Call your campus registrar to ensure your numbers and information are correct.
Talk with your children – Your student might have a lot of questions about their safety and yours. This article, “Talking About Immigration” is a great place to start the conversation.