Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion in North Central Washington
Regardless of local, regional, or national circumstances, North Central Educational Service District (NCESD) reaffirms our unwavering commitment to providing equitable, high-quality education for every student in North Central Washington—regardless of their race, national origin, citizenship, or immigration status. This is not just a legal obligation—it is a moral and ethical responsibility and a promise we make to our students, families, and communities.
NCESD remains steadfast in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all students and families feel safe, valued, and respected. Our mission is to ensure that every student has access to an equitable education while upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals in our schools.
Guidance from OSPI Reinforces These Commitments
Recent guidance from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) reinforces our dedication to:
- Prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, citizenship, or immigration status.
- Protecting student information and ensuring that schools do not initiate engagement with federal immigration authorities.
- Ensuring equal access to programs and services for all students in our region.
We recognize that many families, staff, and students may feel uncertainty or fear about the future. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that schools remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces where every individual is valued and respected.
Our Commitment to Supporting Schools and Communities
To support this effort, NCESD is committed to:
- Providing resources and guidance to staff, school districts, and community partners.
- Keeping our educators, families, and partners informed about any updates to policies or laws that may impact students and families.
- Ensuring that multilingual resources are available to help families navigate their rights and access support.
Additional resources, including multilingual materials, are available in the resources listed below. You can also view Guidance from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction can also be found here. If you need further support or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at (509) 665-2610.
At North Central ESD, we are committed to ensure that every staff, learners, and their families feel safe, accepted, and have a sense of community and that every child in North Central Washington has the opportunity to thrive.
Resources
- OSPI Guidance
- Immigrant Students’ Rights to Attend Public Schools
- Find additional resources on the final page of the OSPI guidance document.
- ACLU Washington (Multilingual)
- Know Your Rights – Northwest Immigrants Rights Project (Multilingual)
- Legal Counsel for Youth and Children Immigrant Youth and Family Resources
- Know Your Rights – National Immigration Law Center (English | Spanish)
- Red Cards/Tarjetas Rojas from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center
- Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN)
- Know Your Rights with ICE (English and Spanish)
- WAISN hotline
- Online Detainee Locator System
- Know Your Rights training – League of Latin American Citizens
- For NCESD staff: Through our Employee Assistance Program all NCESD staff and their family members have access to confidential, comprehensive clinical assessment, support and referral services to help address a wide range of personal and professional concerns, including emotional wellness, stress management, family and relationship issues, anxiety and depression, grief, anger management and substance abuse.