It takes a special person to be a school superintendent. Or at least a fairly decent one. It’s a job that requires leadership, great communication skills, strategic thinking and financial acumen, among other qualities. Some superintendents are better at some of these job responsibilities than others, but most of them have one strength in common – speaking effectively about their schools and the thousands of students who attend them.

When things are going well at school, you can expect a superintendent to show up, to offer some insight and commentary on how great this thing is. Some jaded teachers might call this hogging the spotlight, but most observers know that this usually isn’t the case, at least with good superintendents.

They’re also easy to be found when something goes wrong, whether it’s low test scores, violence at a school or personnel issues at the central office. They will take the opportunity to explain, apologize and outline steps to prevent similar issues in the future.

That’s why it’s curious, that in light of recent events, some of our local superintendents aren’t saying much.

Recent actions taken by the current occupant of the White House, regarding immigration, have created increased concerns among immigrant families about deportation, legal status and access to education.

On Jan. 21, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded a policy that restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement from carrying out operations at “sensitive locations,” such as schools, churches and hospitals. At least one school leader, Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters in Oklahoma, appears eager to comply with federal authorities. He told Politico that he would turn over information on students and their families to the government, “if President Trump sees fit.”

Fortunately, at least one local superintendent has made it known that he takes his responsibility of safeguarding students seriously. 

In an email to students and their families, Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras stated, “To our students, let me be abundantly clear: We love you here and RPS will always be a safe haven for you.” He follows that message with several key points aimed at reassuring students and their families, before closing with a reminder that the school’s stance is not a political one.

“This is about doing what’s right for our students and living up to our motto of ‘Teaching, Leading and Serving with Love,’” he stated.

Immigrant students in surrounding communities deserve the same thoughtful and powerful support.

Unfortunately, their school leaders have not taken a strong stand, offering only a couple of milquetoast statements to a local media outlet that seemed to play both sides.

In times of crisis, effective leadership requires courage, clarity and empathy. By remaining silent, the leaders of our school systems signal that they are more concerned with political correctness than with doing what’s right for the students entrusted to their care.

Our immigrant students deserve better. They deserve leaders who will speak up, stand firm and protect their future, not ones who fall silent when their voices are needed the most.