logo
‘Every child is welcome': Nacogdoches ISD superintendent addresses immigration enforcement

‘Every child is welcome': Nacogdoches ISD superintendent addresses immigration enforcement

Yahoo31-01-2025

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) – Nacogdoches ISD superintendent Dr. Gabriel Trujillo, Ed.D, has sent a letter to their families and staff to address concern about recent federal immigration directives.
'Safe, supportive environment for all': Longview ISD addresses raising concerns of immigration enforcement
'I want to address the recent federal directives from President Trump regarding immigration enforcement on school properties that are causing concern for some of our students and their families,' said Trujillo.
In his letter, Trujillo reassures the parents that their child's safety and success is their number one priority.
'First, I want you to know that the safety, well-being, and success of every student in Nacogdoches ISD remains our highest priority. It is my highest priority, and the overriding goal of public education. I am here – and Nacogdoches ISD is here – to support you.'
Trujillo laid out the following facts about Nacogdoches ISD's commitment to students:
'Every child – every child – is welcome in Nacogdoches ISD. This isn't just me saying this; it's the law. We gladly enroll and educate all school-aged students living within our attendance boundaries, regardless of immigration status. Once again, it's the law,' Trujillo explained.
'We do not request information about or track immigration status of students enrolled at Nacogdoches ISD. Your child's personal information is protected… once again, by law (20 U.S. Education Code § 1232g),' Trujillo said.
'Nacogdoches ISD's commitment to our students and their families has not changed. While we will continue to monitor ongoing updates from federal and state authorities, our focus remains steadfastly where it most belongs – on providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all (policy GRA LOCAL),' Trujillo continued.
He added that the district's visitor and student check-out procedures are unchanged, meaning no one is allowed to access a student unless they're on their file or if they have a lawful federal court order or warrant.
'We also continue to work closely with local law enforcement partners to ensure we are prepared to support any affected students,' Trujillo said.
Trujillo encouraged anyone with questions regarding their legal rights to visit the National Immigration Law Center or the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.
'Nacogdoches ISD believes diversity makes us stronger, and we remain keenly devoted to fostering a community where every student feels safe, supported and valued. Please don't hesitate to reach out to your campus or to the district for support – we are in this together.'
Gabriel Trujillo, superintendent of Nacogdoches ISD
Click here to watch a spoken version of Trujillo's letter on YouTube.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Chris Dickerson's memorial highway bill heading to governor's desk
Chris Dickerson's memorial highway bill heading to governor's desk

Yahoo

time6 days ago

  • Yahoo

Chris Dickerson's memorial highway bill heading to governor's desk

Panola County, Texas (KETK) — The bill filed to rename FM 10 in Panola County as 'Deputy Sheriff Chris Dickerson Memorial Highway' was passed through the Texas House on Wednesday and is making its way to the governor. Two bills that could raise homestead tax exemptions head to the governor's desk Sheriff's Deputy Chris Dickerson was shot and killed by Gregory Newson on FM 10 in Panola County during a traffic stop back in 2019. Newson was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to death in 2024, his execution date has not been scheduled as of now. Earlier this year, State Senator Bryan Hughes of Mineola filed SB 1230 to rename FM 10 in Dickerson's honor. The senate passed the bill and sent it to the Texas House. Longtime federal prosecutor named acting U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of Texas SB1230 received unanimous votes in favor of its purpose, including eight ayes in the Senate Transportation Committee and eleven ayes in the House Transportation Committee, according to the Texas Legislature website. Now, the bill will need the governor's signature before it moves on to becoming law. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Two bills that could raise homestead tax exemptions head to the governor's desk
Two bills that could raise homestead tax exemptions head to the governor's desk

Yahoo

time7 days ago

  • Yahoo

Two bills that could raise homestead tax exemptions head to the governor's desk

TYLER, Texas (KETK)- Two bills raising homestead exemptions are headed to Governor Abbott's desk and to voters this November. 'This is real relief for working families, every Texas homeowner will see their exemption raised dramatically,' State Sen. Carol Alvarado (D), Houston, said. Senate Bill 4 is set to increase the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 for all Texas homeowners. 'So everybody can get a $40,000 extra exemption,' Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber said. Longtime federal prosecutor named acting U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of Texas Barber explains it could mean more savings for East Texans' property tax bills. 'If you're in Tyler Independent School District and we're using last year's tax rate, see last year's value, a $40,000 increase in the exemption would save you $364 on your tax bill,' Barber said. The rise in the exemption will be applied to the portion of the bill that goes to local school districts. 'This is only for the schools, the ISD portion of the tax bill, but it just increases that exemption given another additional $40,000,' Smith County Appraisal District, chief appraiser, Carol Ncneil said. SB 23 is also up for a signature and an election, it would raise the homestead exemption for the disabled and seniors from $10,000 to $60,000. 'Property owners will see an additional exemption come off for the over 65 as well,' Ncneil said City of Tyler approves ordinance to decrease hazards near airport Local realtor Dee Martin reacts, she believes this will be great for both homeowners and those looking to buy a house. 'That's going to help,' Realtor Dee Martin said. 'It'll enable people to, you know, be able to get into a home maybe that might not be able to otherwise.' While most are supportive of tax relief for homeowners, some lawmakers think they could have done more. 'Because by only increasing exemptions, it actually puts inflationary pressure on property tax rates,' Rep. Brian Harrison (R), Waxahachie, said. Next, the bills will be reviewed by the Texas governor. Voters will be asked in November to approve those amendments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

‘It should not be up to the government': Tyler smoke shop urges people to veto THC ban bill
‘It should not be up to the government': Tyler smoke shop urges people to veto THC ban bill

Yahoo

time7 days ago

  • Yahoo

‘It should not be up to the government': Tyler smoke shop urges people to veto THC ban bill

TYLER, Texas (KETK)– The ban on THC in Texas has local businesses and East Texans concerned. Senate Bill 3 will ban all THC products and now waits for Abbott's signature. Co-owner of Dragon's Breath in North Tyler said a full THC ban will do more harm than good. 'We were disgusted' Civil Rights activists call for Tyler Police resignations When the House and Senate passed the bill, co-owner, Lauren Gilmore made all THC products 25 percent off and she believes SB-3 becoming law would be harmful to Texans. 'Honestly, just putting people's lives at risk and making ordinarily law-abiding citizens into criminals,' Dragon's Breath co-owner, Lauren Gilmore said. The bill was spearheaded by Lieutenant Governor, Dan Patrick. AG Commissioner, Sid Miller, has supported the bill and said taking away THC will protect kids. 'You have seventh grader to walk in a convenience store buy a bag of gummies. You know Delta-9 gummies which is full strength marijuana and take those back to junior high and pass them around. That wasn't illegal. We never intended for that to happen,' AG Commissioner Sid Miller said. 'The GOP is split on it. There's a lot of them would like to keep it the status as is, or at least legalize some form of legal use of THC outside of medicinal use. There's a portion of the Republican Party that is dead set against it. He's kind of between a rock and a hard place.' 'I think people should be able to be trusted with what they're putting into their body. It's all up to them. It should not be up to the government. This should not be a nanny state,' Gilmore said. Dragon's Breath strictly follows the 21 or older law when selling in Gilmore's store. THC sales is 30% of their business at Dragon's Breath. Nearly 6000 shops around the state will be affected by the bill. 'It's unfortunate that they're going to be affected negatively economically, but that was a risk they took and they knew that going in doesn't make it any better,' Miller said. If SB-3 becomes law, Gilmore is worried for the wellbeing of her customers. 'Some people are using it, you know, just for aches and pains from joint muscles, arthritis, lots of anxiety and depression,' Gilmore said. She believes people will find cannabis on the streets and their lives may be in danger. 'I had a friend who actually OD'd from laced fentanyl cannabis on the streets, which is to me is way more dangerous getting it on the street than inside a shop where all of these products have been tested by a lab,' Gilmore said. Dragon's Breath will remain open and Gilmore will try to keep all of her staff. If signed by Abbott, the law will take effect in September and stores in Texas will have until January to be in full compliance with the law. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store