Willmar Schools Experience Surge in Absences Amid Federal Presence

Willmar Public Schools in Minnesota experienced a significant spike in student absences during the week of December 15, 2023, with a reported 560 students missing from class on that Monday. This figure accounted for approximately 14.5% of the district’s total enrollment. According to Superintendent Adams, attendance figures began to stabilize as the week progressed, with Friday’s numbers nearing normal levels. Adams anticipates that attendance will return to typical rates following the upcoming holiday break.

On Monday, December 15, the high number of absences was attributed, in part, to concerns arising from the presence of federal agents in the community over the preceding weekend. Reports indicated sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Willmar on December 13 and December 14. Videos and images of arrests made by federal agents circulated online, contributing to unease among families. Adams noted that while the majority of absences were excused, a handful of students cited the federal agents’ presence as a reason for their absence.

“By Tuesday, we saw a significant decrease in absences, and by Wednesday, we were kind of getting back to where we normally are,” Adams remarked. He added that some families remained absent, but he expected a complete recovery in attendance shortly. The distribution of absences varied across the district, with the high school reporting the most significant number of absentees at 143, followed closely by the Middle School with 130 and Kennedy Elementary with 120.

Adams highlighted that the absences were spread across various demographics, affecting students from all racial backgrounds. Most families communicated with the school regarding their children’s absence, indicating that many were traveling for family gatherings ahead of the holiday break. “I am certain that for some, there is still concern about federal agents in the community, and for others, there is not. It is probably a mixed bag,” Adams explained.

In response to parental concerns about student safety, Adams sent a letter to district families outlining the district’s policies regarding interactions with outside agencies. In this communication, he reaffirmed the district’s commitment to student safety, stating, “Our district is continuing to update administrators on their responsibilities and the proper protocol to follow should ICE officials ever visit one of our schools.”

The policy stipulates that law enforcement agents must present a valid warrant to access school premises. Should ICE officials arrive, school leaders are required to contact Adams and the parents of the student in question. If permission is granted, a staff member will escort the student to a private location for the meeting. Adams emphasized that no agents would be permitted to enter the school to retrieve a student directly.

The school policy extends to all areas of school property, including parking lots and school buses. “When the student is on district property, that is when the policy applies. Once the student is in hand and off the school property with the parent, then they are not on school property,” Adams clarified.

A community meeting was held on Friday morning to evaluate the situation and discuss appropriate responses to the presence of federal agents. Adams remarked, “It was a good meeting. It brought community leaders, city leaders, and county leaders together in a room to talk about what we can do as a community.”

Attendance is a critical component of educational success. Studies indicate that consistent school attendance positively impacts long-term outcomes, including future income and achievement levels. “Even one day is a big deal, missing school for one day. We want kids here every day,” Adams noted, emphasizing the importance of regular attendance.

Willmar Public Schools will begin its winter break on December 22, with students returning to class on January 5, 2024. As families prepare for the holidays, the district remains focused on ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.