Parents demand support for bilingual education amid budget cuts

During a recent school board meeting, community members voiced strong support for the continuation of the district's bilingual education program, highlighting its importance for fostering inclusivity and academic success among students. Rosa Morales, a parent and president of the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee, expressed concerns that the program has not received adequate support, stating that its potential discontinuation would significantly impact families who rely on it. She emphasized the value of bilingualism as a \"superpower\" for children and urged the board to recognize the program's benefits.

Alice Fremling, another parent, criticized the board's discussions regarding the integration of students placed by World Relief, suggesting that some members' comments reflected a lack of respect for new students. She called for a more compassionate approach, arguing that all students deserve dignity and support, regardless of their background. Fremling also raised concerns about the district's financial priorities, questioning the logic of celebrating reduced tax rates while simultaneously struggling to fund essential educational programs.

The meeting also included a presentation on the district's summer school program, which aims to mitigate summer learning regression. Dr. Igo reported that while some students showed less regression in reading and math, the results were not statistically significant. The board discussed potential options for the future of the summer program, including maintaining the current structure or implementing changes to enhance its effectiveness.

Overall, the meeting underscored the community's commitment to bilingual education and the need for the district to address the challenges faced by multilingual learners, while balancing fiscal responsibility with the educational needs of all students.