Sonoma Schools board OKs ‘safe schools' policy

The Sonoma Valley Unified School District board on Tuesday joined a long list of state governmental agencies in thumbing their noses at the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

After hearing comments for more than an hour from some of the estimated 100 people in attendance – most dressed in red and waving red paper hearts – the board unanimously passed a resolution “In Recognition of a Commitment to Safe Schools, Honoring the Civil Rights and Dignity of All People.”

Of the 14 attendees who had comments for the board, none spoke in favor of the Trump administration policies.

An 8-year-old girl wanted to tell the board that “all her friends at school are scared – and she doesn’t want them to be scared.”

Board President Dan Gustafson said the board had plenty of feedback and had many discussions. But, he warned, “The school board is not a legislative body and cannot enact ordinances.”

The district, he said, plays a major role in the lives of the community’s children.

“We want to keep our students safe, warm and dry and ready to learn,” he said.

He told the audience that the district “will do everything we can to protect our children and their families.”

“This is a civil rights issue,” he continued.

School Superintendent Louann Carlomagno said, “We want to be welcoming to all students … and provide a safe, educational environment.”

Schoolboard member Sal Chavez read a statement in both Spanish and English and ended it with, “As they build walls, we build bridges,” which brought down the house.

Sonoma Police Chief Brett Sacket told the audience that the police department and Sheriff’s Office “doesn’t enforce federal immigration law.”

“We don’t ask immigration status,” he said. “And we don’t participate in immigration sweeps.”

As they proceeded to the podium, speaker after speaker praised the resolution before the board.

“I applaud the board for taking this action,” Claudia Robbins said. “It addresses the fears of white nationalism and protects the students and staff.”

Robbins gave red hearts and safety pins to the board and district staff. The safety pins are for the “Safety Pin Movement” to signify a safe haven.

Luis Bravo, a counselor at Sonoma Valley High, talked about one of his students whose grades have started suffering and who is stressed out. “This resolution will benefit the students,” Bravo said. “We can’t change what we see on TV, but we can change what happens here.”

Community activist Marilyn Goode said that maybe the time has come for civil disobedience. “Maybe we should hide people in our basements,” she said.

Celeste Winders, a parent and activist, told the district it especially needs to pay attention to students who are “at risk.”

“Think about your decision on suspensions or expulsions,” she said. “Don’t send them on their way. Give these kids a chance.”

After more than an hour, the board reflected.

Boardmember Nicole Ducarroz said, “This is not my school district – this is our school district. If one area suffers, we all suffer. We make a difference, one student at a time.”

Chavez, who was in Mexico earlier this month when the matter was supposed to come to the board, said, “I’m feeling positive about this.”

Boardmember John Kelly added, “There’s no playbook here.”

Gustafson, just before the board voted, said, “I’m not concerned about what Mr. Trump cares about sanctuary. Memorize your rights and get legal representation.”

After Chavez made the motion, the other four boardmembers seconded it in unison.

Contact Bill at bill.hoban@sonomanews.com.