Mercer County superintendents are standing together to defend inclusive public education as federal policy changes spark growing concern.
The superintendents of all 10 Mercer County public school districts have released a letter to families and educators reaffirming their commitment to inclusive, equitable education in response to proposed federal education policy changes.
The letter, issued through the Mercer County Association of School Administrators, emphasizes the districts’ dedication to maintaining safe and supportive environments for all students, regardless of their background, ability, immigration status or identity.
“In recent weeks, there have been several proposed changes related to public education at the federal level that may have contributed to a sense of uncertainty and concern among many in our communities,” the superintendents wrote.
“We want to be unequivocally clear that these changes have not deterred us from our dedication to providing an exceptional education for all of our students,” the letter said.
The statement highlights the superintendents’ continued focus on student mental health, crisis response, and equity. It also cites specific legal protections that remain in effect for New Jersey students, including:
Plyler v. Doe: Ensures all children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to public education.
N.J. Admin. Code 6A:22-3.3 – Housing and immigration status: Confirms immigration or visa status cannot affect school enrollment.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act: Protects the privacy of student records, including immigration-related information.
New Jersey Law Against Discrimination: Prohibits bias based on race, gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientation and other factors.
Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights: Mandates that schools prevent and address bullying through enforceable district policies.
The letter stresses that public education is a state responsibility and that Mercer County schools will not implement policies that deny or discourage students from attending school.
“Our commitment to acceptance, connection and fairness serves as the cornerstone of our efforts to ensure that all students feel a deep sense of belonging and community,” the letter reads. “We remain passionately committed to protecting the rights of every student within our schools.”
Superintendents from East Windsor (Mark Daniels), West Windsor-Plainsboro (David Aderhold), Ewing (David Gentile), Trenton (James Earle), Princeton (Kathleen Foster), Robbinsville (Patrick Pizzo), Hopewell Valley (Rosetta D. Treece), Lawrence (Robyn Klim), Hamilton (Scott Rocco), and Mercer County Technical Schools (Matthew Carey) signed the letter.
“We are proud to be part of vibrant school districts that celebrate the strength found in the diverse backgrounds of our students, staff, and families,” the superintendents stated. “Together, we will continue to provide the exceptional education our students deserve, while cultivating communities where every student has opportunities to thrive.”
The full text of the letter
To Our Mercer County Families, Staff and Community,
The Mercer County Association of School Administrators represents the public school superintendents in our county. Over the years, we have consistently supported and advocated for our communities and their needs. Some examples of this county collaboration have included support for mental health, crisis management, teen suicide prevention, and health and safety resources during the challenges associated with COVID-19. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to building and sustaining safe and supportive school communities. Collectively, we are focused on ensuring every student within each of our districts feels seen, respected, and heard, regardless of their background, ability/disability, or identity.
In recent weeks, there have been several proposed changes related to public education at the federal level that may have contributed to a sense of uncertainty and concern among many in our communities. We acknowledge these challenges and understand the potential questions they raise about the future of our educational environment. We want to be unequivocally clear that these changes have not deterred us from our dedication to providing an exceptional education for all of our students. We will always adhere to statutory requirements while preserving the rights of all learners.
We are steadfast in our belief that every child deserves a learning environment where they are not only educated, but also valued as integral members of our school community. Our commitment to acceptance, connection, and fairness serve as the cornerstones of our efforts to ensure that all students feel a deep sense of belonging and community. We continually strive to create spaces where every voice is heard and valued; where each student is empowered to reach their full potential.
As we move forward, we remain focused on collaborative efforts with our educators, staff, families, and community partners to continue fostering an environment of trust, respect, and excellence. We are dedicated to addressing challenges head-on, supporting our students, staff, and communities through any uncertainty, and ensuring that our schools remain beacons of opportunity and hope for all.
It is important to note that public education is a state right and responsibility and as such, all Mercer County school districts are required to provide equal access to education to all students regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, ability/disability, or immigration status. Schools must meet this fundamental obligation and avoid policies that prevent or dissuade students from obtaining a public education. In Mercer County we remain passionately committed to protecting the rights of every student within our schools.
Five fundamental legal principles remain unchanged for all New Jersey school districts:
1. Legal Protections for Student Education: The Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Plyler v. Doe firmly establishes that all children, regardless of immigration status, have the unequivocal right to public education. Our schools cannot and will not deny educational access based on a student’s immigration status.
2. N.J.A.C. 6A:22-3.3: Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:22-3.3 immigration/visa status shall not affect eligibility to attend school.
3. Student Privacy and Confidentiality: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides robust protection for student education records. This law strictly limits the sharing of personally identifiable information (PII) without parental consent, including any data that could potentially reveal a student’s immigration status.
4. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (“NJLAD”), N.J.S.A. 10:5-12(11)(f), generally makes it unlawful for schools to subject individuals to differential treatment based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability or nationality.
5. Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights: School districts must comply with this New Jersey law that prohibits harassment, intimidation, and bullying, and requires each district Board of Education to implement a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) at school, school-sponsored events, and school buses. In addition, schools must take action to end harassment and prevent it from occurring.
We are proud to be part of vibrant school districts that celebrate the strength found in the diverse backgrounds of our students, staff, and families . We are fortunate to live in a state that upholds the rights of all individuals to feel seen, connected, supported, and proud to be a part of their school community.
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. Together, we will continue to provide the exceptional education our students deserve, while cultivating communities where every student has opportunities to thrive.
Sincerely,
Mark Daniels, President
Superintendent, East Windsor Regional School District
David Aderhold, Ed.D.
Superintendent, West Windsor-Plainsboro
David Gentile, Ed.D., Treasurer
Superintendent, Ewing Public Schools
James Earle
Superintendent, Trenton Public Schools
Kathleen Foster, Ed.D
Interim Superintendent, Princeton Public Schools
Patrick Pizzo, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Robbinsville Public Schools
Rosetta D. Treece, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Hopewell Valley Regional School District
Matthew C. Carey
Superintendent, Mercer County Technical Schools, Mercer County Special Services School District
Robyn A. Klim, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Lawrence Public Schools
Scott Rocco, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Hamilton Township School District
