By the California State PTA Legislation Advocacy Team
On October 6, 2025, California State PTA hosted an “unpacking webinar” for local PTA leaders on the new document, California State PTA Advice: Immigration Enforcement Near Schools. PTA leaders from across California joined the session, which provided guidance on how PTAs can serve as trusted partners to families and schools in response to increased federal immigration enforcement activity. The eight-page resource document discussed during the webinar is available in both English and Spanish at capta.org/focus-areas/advocacy/safe-schools.
California State PTA President Heather Ippolito opened by reaffirming PTA’s core mission and the organization’s unique position. “As PTA leaders, you’re uniquely positioned as trusted partners,” she said. “You connect families with schools, help communicate vital information, and support district efforts to ensure every child feels safe. School districts need partners like you to reach families and reinforce important messages.”
Supported by members of the California State PTA Board of Directors and Board of Managers, Robin Klau, Director of Legislation, led participants through the comprehensive guide. Designed specifically for local PTAs, the document provides templates, resources, and step-by-step guidance for local units wanting to support their school communities.
PTAs as Community Connectors
The webinar emphasized PTA’s powerful role as a bridge between families and schools. PTAs are encouraged to share vital know-your-rights information and help families understand legal protections. The goal is that all families know their children have a constitutional right to education regardless of immigration status. This role builds on California State PTA’s September 2025 Statement on Safe Schools, which declares that “schools should first and foremost be a safe and welcoming environment for all students.”
Partnering with School Districts
A key theme throughout the presentation was collaboration. Before taking any action or making statements, PTAs should:
- meet with their principal or superintendent to understand district policies,
- learn what information is already being shared with families, and
- coordinate messaging.
“Your goal is to amplify district efforts to support children and families, not work at cross-purposes,” Klau explained.
This partnership approach helps PTAs understand what assistance their districts are providing—such as family safety plans or caregiver affidavits—and identify where PTA support can be most effective. More information on these services and helpful resources are listed in the document California State PTA Advice: Immigration Enforcement Near Schools.
Sharing Valuable Government Resources
The webinar highlighted extensive resources PTAs can share with their communities, including the California Department of Education’s “Our Schools” toolkit, which features five family-facing posters and counter cards. These materials, currently available in English and Spanish with more languages planned, cover student privacy rights, guidance on responding to immigration agents, caregiver affidavits, and safety plan recommendations. The visual materials are ideal for PTA newsletters, websites, and social media.
Additional resources include the California Attorney General’s “Know Your Rights” fact sheets in multiple languages, quick-reference guides for school officials, and step-by-step instructions for creating family preparedness plans. All resources are compiled in the guidance document and can be easily shared through PTA-owned communication channels.
Amplifying PTA’s Voice
The webinar provided four ready-to-use statement templates that local PTAs can adapt after executive board approval. These statements align with National and California State PTA position statements on rights and services for children in immigrant and mixed-status families, giving local units confidence that their messaging is grounded in established PTA policy.
PTAs were encouraged to coordinate with Council and District PTAs when making statements, and to consider joint statements with other school organizations for greater community impact. For significant incidents or media attention, California State PTA offers support; email safeschools@capta.org.
Taking Meaningful Action
Beyond sharing information, PTAs can partner with school districts to host educational workshops on student and family rights, bring Safe Zone resolutions to local school boards, and host PTA meetings at protected locations. PTAs can also advocate for protective legislation, including sharing California State PTA’s Take Action Alert on the federal Protecting Sensitive Locations Act (S. 455/H.R. 1061).
The webinar acknowledged that while there are important boundaries—PTAs cannot provide legal advice or pay for legal services—there are numerous positive, impactful ways PTAs can support their communities within their mission and role.
As the session concluded, Klau reminded participants that they don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. California State PTA stands ready to provide guidance, resources, and support to local units committed to ensuring safe schools for all children. PTA members can sign up for future advocate alerts, monthly updates and the California State legislative advocacy quarterly newsletter PTA Advocate on the website.