A primary focus of the meeting was the multilingual learners program, which serves students from 37 countries speaking 21 different languages. The program has seen significant growth, with 1,100 students currently enrolled. Mendoza emphasized the importance of connecting students’ primary languages to their new language acquisition.

The Newcomer Academy, an element of the program, was praised for its tailored approach to supporting students in their first year in U.S. schools. Expanding to three elementary classrooms, it provides structured support for multilingual learners at various educational levels. The academy’s efforts have led to improved educational delivery and recognition during audits. The district’s innovative restructuring allows newcomers to earn credits, facilitating a smoother transition into the general education environment. The committee expressed appreciation for the program’s progress, noting its role in closing academic gaps between English learners and their peers.

Concerns were raised about the need for additional support for languages not currently represented within the district, such as Cape Verdean Creole. Mendoza highlighted the importance of community facilitators in assisting families with resources and registrations, calling for enhanced support to meet the needs of the growing English learner population. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by students with interrupted educational backgrounds, particularly those from regions affected by conflict or natural disasters.

Public input during the meeting brought attention to communication issues within the school system. Audrey Reese, a concerned parent, recounted an incident where a malfunctioning phone system delayed notification of her son’s medical needs. She urged the committee to improve communication methods, advocating for more paper-based communication to accommodate parents who may not be technologically savvy. Another community member echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for print materials to engage retirees who feel excluded due to their lack of comfort with technology.

In response to these concerns, the committee acknowledged the importance of inclusive communication strategies and assured attendees that the administration would follow up on the issues raised.

The meeting also addressed financial matters, particularly special education expenses. The Superintendent reported legal services expenditures totaling $43,353.96 by January 25. Despite this, the overall budget is expected to balance or come in slightly under budget. The committee approved the report without opposition, acknowledging the financial challenges associated with complex special education cases.

Additionally, the committee reviewed bills payable for FY25, amounting to $2,165,258.83. A significant portion of this, $1.6 million, will be covered by state and county grants. Specific charges within the bills were scrutinized, including a $50,000 charge for One Goal instructional software and a $40,895.57 charge for translation services. The Superintendent emphasized the necessity of these services to facilitate communication with families across the district, given the 22 languages spoken by families.

Concerns were raised about the scale of translation expenditures, questioning the necessity of such a high amount for two months of service. The Superintendent responded by emphasizing the importance of the program, given the diverse linguistic needs of the community, and committed to providing an update on year-to-date spending for translation services at the next meeting.

The meeting concluded with an update on staffing and enrollment. The district is 99% staffed, with efforts underway to fill remaining positions for a ROC instructor and a special educator. Enrollment has increased to 8,423 students, with significant growth in the Taunton Alternative High School and Taunton Public Virtual Academy. The committee also approved field trip requests and discussed collective bargaining progress in various subcommittees.