District examines bilingual program expansion for Jack AbenSTEM at Woodhull Intermediate

The Huntington Union Free School District (UFSD) Board of Education has made significant strides in planning for the upcoming school year, particularly regarding the Jack Aben STEM Magnet School and the bilingual dual language program. During the recent meeting, the board discussed staffing projections and the expansion of the dual language program, aiming to enhance access for students.

Families involved in the dual language program have opted to continue at Woodhull Intermediate School for the 2025-2026 school year. This decision will lead to an expected class size of approximately 28.6 students in the dual language sections, slightly higher than previous years due to current enrollment and space constraints. The district anticipates potential shifts in enrollment over the summer, which may result in smaller class sizes by September.

To maintain the integrity of the dual language program, the district will not enroll new students in the fourth-grade dual language sections for the upcoming year. This decision is intended to preserve class sizes and ensure that the existing students receive high-quality instruction from the district's skilled teachers.

Additionally, the district has successfully reduced the number of retiree replacements for the next school year without compromising the quality or variety of course offerings. This strategic approach reflects the district's commitment to effectively managing resources while responding to student needs.

As the board continues to navigate these changes, they remain focused on providing a supportive and engaging learning environment for all students. The meeting concluded with no updates on the state budget, leaving future discussions on funding and resources pending.