At the January 30 South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Jason Bing revealed that he had sent a letter to district families last week addressing “questions about immigration status and related concerns.” Read the letter below:
January 23, 2025
Dear South Orange & Maplewood School District families,
Our district is steadfast in its commitment to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for every student and family we serve. We understand that questions about immigration status and related concerns can create uncertainty, and we want to assure you that we are here to support and protect your child’s right to a high-quality education.
New Jersey law and federal regulations clearly affirm that all children, regardless of immigration status are entitled to a free public education. Our schools do not and will not engage in practices that could exclude any child from enrolling or participating in school instruction. Laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) also guarantee the privacy of your child’s educational records, ensuring that personal information is protected and shared only when required by law.
Our district has established clear responses and courses of action to address any interaction with immigration enforcement that may occur on school grounds. We will prioritize student safety and protect the confidentiality of all families. Our educators are trained to provide emotional and practic support to students facing these real-world challenges to keep them secure and supported at school.
These are challenging times for many, but we remain purposive in providing a welcoming and equitable learning experience for all students in South Orange and Maplewood.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
In partnership,
Mr. Jason Bing
Superintendent
