Board discusses student walkout; district credits coordination with public safety

The White Plains City School District told trustees on Feb. 9 that students at White Plains High School staged a walkout over immigration policy earlier that morning and that district and city officials coordinated to ensure student safety.

Superintendent S5 said the district learned of the planned demonstration shortly before it occurred and did not have pre‑coordination with student organizers. "We didn't have that pre coordination," S5 said, adding that district staff and the White Plains Department of Public Safety worked quickly to support the students' movement from campus to the city center and the federal courthouse. S5 said the district received both praise for student civic engagement and constructive criticism that parents received notification after mobilization.

Jeremy Harrison (S9), the district liaison to public safety, described a formal partnership and a newly expanded training program. Harrison said every building has a confidential building emergency response plan and the district will provide weekly 90‑minute training blocks to the White Plains Police Department and other first responders over the next 2½ months so they understand school protocols and how to access buildings in emergencies. "Part of being prepared is working closely with the White Plains Police Department, the fire department, DPW, all the first responders that we may need help from," he said.

Board members thanked Harrison and described the approach as a possible model for other districts. S11, a former ambulance service member, noted the operational value of first responders understanding building layouts for emergency access.

The district said it would review its parent notification processes after receiving feedback that messages went out only after students had already mobilized. Trustees emphasized that student safety remains the paramount concern and highlighted the importance of ongoing coordination with city emergency services.

No disciplinary actions or formal policy changes were announced at the meeting; trustees and administrators said they would continue to refine communication and safety protocols moving forward.