On Jan. 24, the Waltham Public Schools Community received an email from the Acting Superintendent of Schools Kate Peretz with regards to the potential presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents at Waltham schools. 

In response to a “great deal of information in the news that has been troubling and has created concerns for many of our students and families and for the people who serve them in our schools,” Peretz writes that “ICE agents will not be allowed access to our schools without proper judicial warrants and will not be allowed to disrupt our educational program in any way.”

Peretz notes that she has the support of Waltham Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy, Waltham Police Department and Superintendent Marisa Mendonsa, who is currently on medical leave. 

Included in the email, Peretz notes information that WPS families, staff and students should know: 

• “The Waltham Public School District is committed to serving all children who reside in the District and to maintaining a safe and productive learning environment for all students. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, state law, and federal law require state educational agencies and local school districts to provide all elementary and secondary students with equal access to public education - irrespective of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or immigration status. This has not changed this week, and this will not change in the future. All of our school and city agencies are dedicated to supporting this commitment, and we are here for all of our students at all times.
• The Waltham Police Department does not enforce civil warrants.
• Our building leaders will not admit any ICE agents into schools without a judicial warrant. The principals of our schools have been directed to call me, as the acting superintendent, immediately if ICE agents arrive at a school building.
• Our school administrators have been and will continue to be trained in the appropriate response to this possible event, as well as other challenges that face our schools.”

Peretz expressed that she is “well supported by both school and city officials, who are available for consultation, and are ready to assist, as needed.” The Acting Superintendent says she will be working in collaboration with School Resource Officers to “support our schools in maintaining a safe and nurturing educational environment.”