FCPS board addresses student stress and attendance concerns tied to ICE activity

Frederick County Board of Education members are discussing how schools can support students and families affected by recent federal immigration enforcement activity in Frederick.

The issue came before the board after residents near Stoneybrook Court and Taskers Chance described families being hesitant to send children to school during a multi-day ICE presence in the neighborhood.

Parent Corey Farley told board members that some residents were afraid to leave their homes and worried about children traveling to and from school while masked federal agents and unmarked vehicles were present nearby.

The Stoneybrook Court area falls within the attendance zones for Waverley Elementary, Monocacy Middle and Governor Thomas Johnson High School.

Board President Dean Rose said FCPS already provides counseling, psychological services and social-work support for students. He also said schools encourage families to develop backup plans for children in situations where a parent or guardian unexpectedly cannot return home.

Board members Chad King Wilson Sr. and Janie Inglis Monier also said the district has a responsibility to maintain a safe and supportive environment for students affected by stressful events outside the classroom.

The district has dealt with similar concerns before. Last year, a person was detained by individuals believed to be ICE agents near Hillcrest Elementary, after which an FCPS team went to the school to provide support to students and staff.

The discussion did not involve the school board deciding immigration policy. Instead, members focused on attendance, emotional well-being and the district’s responsibility to support students when outside events disrupt their sense of safety.

FCPS’ official Sept. 9 board recap confirms that the meeting also covered several other district matters, including the first reading of the system’s new artificial-intelligence policy.