The PCS Board of Education meeting on June 24, 2025, focused heavily on the future of the Spanish language program at PACS, with discussions highlighting significant concerns about the current curriculum's viability and potential alternatives.

One of the primary topics was the lack of infrastructure to support Spanish instruction effectively. A board member expressed that without a sustainable plan, continuing the Spanish program could lead to student frustration. They proposed exploring a partnership with Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), which offers a middle school special enrollment program allowing seventh and eighth graders to take college-level Spanish courses online at no cost. This option could alleviate pressure on PACS to deliver a robust Spanish curriculum while providing students with a meaningful language experience.

Another board member echoed the need for more Spanish instruction, noting that the current schedule of 55 minutes twice a week is insufficient for students to progress to higher levels of Spanish in high school. They supported the idea of the junior college program, emphasizing that it could better prepare students for advanced Spanish courses.

Concerns were raised about the logistical challenges of enrolling middle school students in college courses, including the need for parental involvement and the potential for limited class availability. The board discussed alternative solutions, such as utilizing Edgenuity, a district-approved online program that offers world language courses. This could provide students with additional options for learning Spanish without overburdening existing staff.

The conversation also touched on the broader implications of eliminating Spanish from the curriculum, with several members advocating for maintaining language offerings to meet the cultural needs of a diverse student body. They argued that removing Spanish could limit students' access to important cultural experiences and educational opportunities.

As the meeting concluded, the board recognized the urgency of the situation, with less than two months before the school year begins. They agreed to explore all available options to ensure that students have access to quality Spanish instruction, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and open dialogue in addressing these challenges.