Saint Croix teacher urges board to address ICE activity she says is harming students' safety and attendance

Laura Fern Weber, an English language learner teacher at Saint Croix Central, told the school board that an increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity since Dec. 21 has “profoundly affected our students.” She described staff delivering groceries for more than 50 families, students calling teachers in fear on New Year’s Eve, and children watching drones overhead. Weber said the fear has produced lost income, food insecurity, housing instability, absenteeism and declining academic performance.

Weber urged the board to “directly address students' fear of local law enforcement by clearly defining roles, safeguards, and language access so trust can be rebuilt,” and asked for recognition of the financial impacts on families and “support pathways, whether it's through partnerships, emergency assistance, or advocacy, so students can remain present, fed, and focused.” She concluded: “This is not political. It is human.”

Board members thanked Weber for speaking. The transcript records no formal board response or directive in the meeting; the public comment was followed by routine business. Weber identified specific harms she and staff had taken to mitigate the impact, including organizing food deliveries, coordinating rides, and helping families complete delegations of parental authority forms so children would have caregivers if a parent were detained.

Why it matters: Weber framed the issue as directly affecting students’ ability to learn and participate in school. Her request for clarified board policy on interactions with law enforcement, improved language access, and emergency supports would, if acted on, change school operational practices and communications with immigrant and culturally diverse families.

What the board can do next: The transcript shows no commitment to a specific follow-up in this meeting. Weber asked for public communications affirming student safety, clarified roles for law enforcement on campus, and supports for families. Any board action on those requests would typically require staff research, possible policy changes or additions to the district’s rules and procedures, and likely future agenda placement for formal consideration.