Jacobson Elementary community protests elimination of ELD program amid growing student needs

The Chandler Unified School District's recent decision to eliminate the part-time English Language Development (ELD) position at Jacobson Elementary has sparked significant concern among parents, teachers, and community members. During the Chandler USD Governing Board meeting on July 9, 2025, numerous speakers passionately advocated for the reinstatement of the program, emphasizing its critical role in supporting students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Retired educator and former ELD instructor at Jacobson, who spoke first, highlighted the program's impressive reclassification rates, arguing that the district's decision undermines the success achieved in helping students gain English proficiency. "How can you eliminate a program just because we got good at instructing our students into English proficiency?" they questioned, pointing out that Jacobson serves a unique population with students speaking over 23 different languages.

Allison Amparano, a fifth-grade teacher at Jacobson, echoed these sentiments, stating that the loss of the ELD program would negatively impact every student at the school. "The dedicated ELD support isn't just a nice to have. It is essential," she asserted, stressing that without this support, teachers would struggle to meet the diverse needs of their students.

Parents also shared heartfelt testimonials about the program's impact on their families. Christina Polio, speaking on behalf of a family currently living in Japan, recounted how the ELD program provided not only academic support but also a sense of community for families adjusting to a new culture. "It builds a community, a safe welcoming space for families who are starting over in a new country," she said.

The meeting featured a series of emotional appeals from parents who had relocated to Chandler specifically for the ELD program's reputation. They urged the board to reconsider the decision, emphasizing that the needs of Jacobson's ELD students extend beyond mere enrollment numbers. "Many of Jacobson's ELD students arrive with the lowest English levels and need more intensive support," one parent noted.

As the meeting concluded, the overwhelming consensus among speakers was clear: the ELD program at Jacobson is not just an educational resource; it is a lifeline for many families navigating the challenges of language and cultural barriers. The community is now looking to the Chandler USD Governing Board to reconsider its decision and ensure that Jacobson Elementary continues to provide essential support for its diverse student population.