By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington school children, even those whose parents are undocumented immigrants, should feel safe and welcome in District 87, according to a resolution unanimously approved by the school board Wednesday night.

The board’s action came at the same time President Trump and key Democratic congressional leaders were reaching an agreement on how to protect so-called Dreamers.

School board members heard from three Bloomington Junior High School teachers, including Julie Riley, who says the volatile debate over immigration frightened some students.

“Last fall, when it came to my attention that my kids were fearful in my own building, it broke my heart,” Riley said.

BJHS teacher Kim Taber came with note cards in hand with students’ comments.

“One student said, ‘I worry because I don’t know when I go home if I’m going to see my parents,’ or that ‘I will be left alone with my siblings,'” said Taber.

“Another student said, ‘I was scared that I would no longer have the opportunity to complete my studies.'”

For students to learn, Taber said they first have to feel safe. She says the District’s resolution goes a long way towards that.

The school board Wednesday night also unanimously approved a three-year contract with approximately 400 teachers who are members of the Bloomington Education Association.

The BEA, the teachers’ collective bargaining unit, ratified the contract earlier this week. It boosts teachers’ base salary one percent the first year, and 1.4 percent each of the final two years.

Superintendent Barry Reilly said teachers are eligible for larger raises based on their education and experience.

Reilly said there’s no change in health insurance benefits from the previous contracts.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]