The Cary District 26 Grade School Superintendent sent a letter to parents concerning creating its schools as “Safe Places.”
The format was pdf, as you can see here.
One can read the content from an image of the letter, but if one is searching for details via a search engine, one cannot find them.
I requested a word document and, yesterday, presumably after consulting with the district lawyer, Superintendent Brandon C. White figured out my format request of the document was legit.
“May I have a word document of the text?” I asked in late January.
The reply:
“Dr. White does not release his letters or documents in an editable format to maintain the integrity of the original message. Thank you.”
I then wrote:
“Fine. Then under the FOIA I request a copy of the letter to parents concerning his ‘Safe School” policy in word format.
“Please consult your attorney before denying my request.”
Accompanying the requested word document was the following:
“Please see response to your FOIA request.
“Thank you.”
Here is the January 28th letter:
January 28, 2025
Dear Members of Our School Community,
As educators, administrators, and community leaders, our primary responsibility is to create a
safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student has the opportunity to learn,
grow, and thrive. Today, we want to reaffirm our commitment to all the families we serve,
including those who may face unique challenges due to their immigration status.
Our school district is taking steps to formally establish itself as a Safe Zone, a designation that
underscores our dedication to protecting and supporting undocumented students and their
families. This decision is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of their background,
deserves access to education without fear or discrimination.
Why are we becoming a Safe Zone district?
- Education is a Right: Every child in this country has the right to an education, as
affirmed by the Supreme Court in Plyler v. Doe. No child should be denied the
opportunity to learn due to their immigration status. - Creating a Safe Environment: Fear and uncertainty can be significant barriers to
learning. By becoming a Safe Zone, we aim to reduce those barriers and provide a stable,
welcoming environment where all students feel valued and supported. - Standing Together as a Community: Our schools are at the heart of our community. By
taking this step, we are sending a clear message: we are united in our commitment to
inclusion, equity, and the well-being of all families.
As a community, we are stronger together. By fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and
understanding, we can ensure that every child in our district has the opportunity to achieve their
dreams. Thank you for your support in making our schools a place where every student feels safe
and empowered.
We recognize that these are challenging times for many families, and we want you to know that
you are not alone. Our district is here to support you every step of the way. We encourage
families to reach out to school counselors, administrators, or our district office with any concerns
or questions.
Sincerely,
Brandon C. White, Ph.D.
Superintendent
