Letter from Superintendent Kahler

Evelyn Andrews

January 23, 2026

January 22, 2026

Dear AOS 98 Staff and Families,

AOS 98 is committed to fostering the success of every student. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that all children have the right to attend public school regardless of their immigration status.  Our schools are committed to protecting the privacy, dignity, and safety of our students and their families. As a school district, we do not know, and do not ask, the immigration status of our students. 

While we have no information suggesting that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plan to conduct operations in our schools, we recognize that families and staff may have concerns. The following guidance outlines the actions we will take to ensure clarity and preparedness in the event of immigration enforcement.  

How will the school handle visits from immigration officials?  If immigration officials come to the school, staff will direct them to the main office. They are not permitted to enter other areas of the school without a valid warrant. School administrators will be called immediately to:  

  • Inform the officials that the school will comply with their request as required by law.  

  • Record the officials’ names, badge numbers, agency affiliation, and the details of the visit, including the date and time.  

  • Notify the Superintendent and local law enforcement immediately. 

  • Confirm whether the warrant presented is legally valid. (Scan and send it to the Superintendent's office) 

What restrictions apply to sharing information with immigration officials?  Our district cannot release any student information unless a valid warrant is provided.  

Can School Resource Officers share student details?  No. School Resource Officers, as part of the school staff, are not authorized to disclose any student information without a valid warrant.  

What qualifies as a valid warrant?  A valid warrant must be issued by a Federal District Judge or Magistrate Judge from the U.S. District Court. This type of warrant permits law enforcement to enter non-public areas, such as schools, and to arrest a specifically named individual.  

Administrative warrants issued by ICE, however, do not meet this standard. These documents are issued internally by immigration officials to authorize the detention of individuals suspected of immigration violations. They are not recognized as legal warrants under the Fourth Amendment and do not grant officers the authority to enter restricted areas or access school records.  

What steps will the school take if immigration officials attempt to detain someone?  School staff will not physically intervene or obstruct immigration officers from carrying out their duties. However, the apprehension of an individual on school property requires a valid warrant to access non-public areas.  

If a student is detained, school administrators will promptly contact the student’s parents or guardians and local law enforcement unless the warrant or subpoena expressly prohibits this notification.  

What happens if a parent or guardian is deported?  In the event that a student’s parent or guardian is deported, the school will use the student’s emergency contact information to identify another authorized individual to pick up the student. If no contact is listed or reachable, the school will seek support from the Department of Health and Human Services.  

We are committed to maintaining an environment where every student and staff member belongs, regardless of race, culture, religion, language, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  As a community, we want to be here to support all students, staff, and families. Schools have always been places where children can learn, grow, and feel secure—safe spaces for all, regardless of their background.  While we are bound to follow all state and federal laws, our commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for every student remains steadfast.  

Sincerely,

Robert Kahler

Superintendent of Schools, AOS 98

207-633-2874

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES, STUDENTS, and STAFF: (available in multiple languages within links)