Local School Districts Prepare to Welcome Asylum Seeker Students
As the new school year approaches, local school districts are making preparations to accommodate a significant number of asylum seeker students. With many asylum seekers arriving in Erie County, New York, areas schools are gearing up to enroll their school-aged children.
Maryvale School District Superintendent Joseph D’Angelo has confirmed that the district will be welcoming 69 asylum seeker students ranging from pre-K to 12th grade. In a recent interview, D’Angelo expressed the district’s commitment to taking care of these children and ensuring that their educational needs are met.
To facilitate the enrollment process, district staff have been registering the new students at the hotels where their families are temporarily staying. This process includes verifying their health records, immunization status, and determining appropriate grade level placement. However, the district now faces the challenge of adjusting staffing levels and increasing bus runs to accommodate the influx of new students. D’Angelo emphasised the district’s need for financial support from the state to cover these unexpected expenses.
Another school district, Sweet Home Central School District, will also be enrolling asylum seeker students who are residing in a hotel located in the town of Amherst. The district did not provide an interview but released a statement acknowledging the situation.
In response to inquiries about asylum seekers staying in Amherst, Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa declined an interview but spoke with WBEN about school districts welcoming students from families seeking asylum. He indicated that New York State, with the support of New York City, is taking steps to ensure that school districts have the necessary resources to deal with this influx.
Despite the unexpected challenges that these districts are facing, D’Angelo expressed confidence in the readiness of the staff to handle the situation. He praised their dedication and stated that they are prepared to take on any challenge that comes their way.
As the school year begins, the local school districts are determined to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for these asylum seeker students. With the support of the state and the dedication of their staff, they aim to ensure that these children receive the education they deserve.
