Saugus Union elementary school officials are set to discuss a draft letter on immigration policy and a position on a recent landfill proposal for Val Verde.

A joint letter from the Saugus Union School District Board president and district superintendent about immigration and discussion about the explanation of the Chiquita Canyon landfill is on the agenda for the April 18 meeting.

The board meeting is schedule to begin at 7 p.m. at the district office.

“In the past several weeks immigration enforcement has been in the news,” said the draft letter from Dr. David Powell, board president and Dr. Joan Lucid, superintendent. “Students and their parents have expressed concerns regarding possible enforcement activities at our schools.”

The Saugus Board is also set to discuss the expansion of the Chiquita Canyon landfill. The item is intended to discuss a possible directive for staff in drafting a letter regarding a position on the landfill.

The item was requested by a board member, SUSD board President David Powell declined to cite who requested the item be agendized.

The immigration letter notes the Saugus District officials do not and will not collect data with respect to students’ immigration status.

“Our schools will not participate in potential federal enforcement actions based on immigration status,” the letter states. “Our role as public school educators is to welcome and protect all students regardless of their or their parents’ immigration status.”

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department does not and will not participate in federal immigration enforcement actions and is an important partner in keeping our students safe, according to officials.

Sheriff Jim McDonnell made a statement Monday regarding ICE and public safety:

“For me, this is not about politics, but rather, it is about protecting people.

I feel an obligation to stand up for what I believe will protect individuals in all of our communities. We need to use all tools available, including our law enforcement partners, in order to ensure the protection of individuals and their families from serious and violent offenders.

If ICE is not given access to the jails where the most serious and violent offenders are housed, then, very predictably, ICE agents will have no other alternative but to seek out their targets and make their arrests in our communities, on the streets,  in neighborhoods, and in homes. Everyone present; neighbors, family, friends, and spouses, could be at risk for deportation.  I support the California State laws, known as the TRUST and the TRUTH Acts because they provide for safe and legal transfer of the violent and serious offenders whom ICE seeks and does so inside the controlled environment of our jails.”

SUSD will not allow any immigration enforcement officer or agent to enter school without being granted permission by the office of the superintendent in consultation with legal counsel and upon presentation of necessary documentation, said district officials.

“Saugus’ record of excellence is built on ensuring safe, welcoming environment for students and their families,” said the letter.”The District will continue providing every student the best education possible with the full participation of parents in all school activities and events.”