School districts in Stanislaus County are looking to the state and California educational associations for guidance as President-elect Donald Trump continues to threaten mass deportations of immigrants.

In Riverbank Unified, Superintendent Constantino Aguilar said he will continue to monitor police activities and advocate for children to be safe in their public schools.

“Messages from Washington, D.C., about mass deportations have certainly and understandably raised concerns and questions across our county,” he said. “And while there will no doubt be political discussions, debates and activity on this subject at the national, state and local levels, in our district, we will maintain our focus on student needs and student well-being.”

California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and state Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez on Monday announced legislation to keep Immigration and Customs Enforcement away from campuses and protect school attendance and funding.

If it becomes law, the bill will prohibit school districts and their personnel from granting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers or other federal authorities access campuses without a judicial warrant.

It also will prohibit police cooperation with any immigration enforcement efforts within a 1-mile radius of school and prohibit the sharing of any information about students, families, their households or school employees with ICE officers.

With community members worried about the potential of students and families being separated through deportation, local school districts are preparing for possible impacts of mass deportations.

Sharokina Shams, the chief communications officer for Modesto City Schools, said there is deep concern with families but the school district typically does not comment on impending legislation.

“School districts are looking to the state as well as to their statewide professional organizations for guidance,” Shams said. “That guidance will be especially valuable if schools are left to navigate differences between federal and state law.”

Marie Russell, the director of communications, family engagement and outreach for Turlock Unified, said her school district routinely monitors state and federal laws to stay abreast of any changes that could impact operations. TUSD is aware of concerns the school community has, she said.

Russell said district staff will continue to work with educational partners and organizations including the Association of California School Administrators, California School Board Association and California School Public Relations Association to handle any potential issues that may arise.

“TUSD has board policies that provide clear guidance in this area and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating safe and welcoming spaces for all our students and families,” Russell said. “Regular school attendance is critical to student success, and we depend on our relations with parents to help achieve this end.”

Beth Jimenez, the communications specialist at Ceres Unified, said mental health services are available for students who feel anxiety relating to concerns of immigration. She added that the district also will work with organizations that advocate for policies to support all students, including the California School Boards Association and Association of School Administrators.

“Our highest priority is providing the tools and resources that each student needs to become a confident, contributing member of society,” Jimenez said. “Ceres Unified will continue to comply with applicable laws, including those already in place, that ensure children have access to education regardless of their immigration status.”