Parents Demand ELD Program Restoration at Jacobson Elementary Amid Budget Cuts

The recent Chandler Unified School District Governing Board meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the elimination of the English Language Development (ELD) program at Jacobson Elementary School. Parents, teachers, and community members voiced their distress over the decision, emphasizing the program's critical role in supporting students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

The meeting featured passionate testimonies from various stakeholders, including parents who shared personal stories about how the ELD program transformed their children's educational experiences. One parent noted that the program had a remarkable reclassification rate, allowing students to achieve English proficiency and integrate into mainstream classrooms effectively. This success, they argued, should not be a reason to cut the program but rather a testament to its effectiveness.

Teachers at Jacobson expressed their concerns about the impact of losing dedicated ELD support. They highlighted that many students arrive with little to no English proficiency, making specialized instruction essential for their academic success and social integration. The absence of an ELD teacher would not only hinder the learning of ELD students but also place an unrealistic burden on general education teachers, who would struggle to meet the diverse needs of their classrooms without adequate support.

Community members emphasized the unique demographic of Jacobson, which serves a high percentage of students from various countries and linguistic backgrounds. They pointed out that the ELD population often fluctuates throughout the school year, with new students arriving mid-year, further complicating the need for ongoing support.

The testimonies underscored the broader implications of the district's decision, suggesting that cutting the ELD position could undermine years of progress in fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment. Many speakers urged the board to reconsider the decision, advocating for at least a part-time ELD instructor to continue serving the needs of Jacobson's diverse student body.

In conclusion, the meeting revealed a strong community commitment to preserving the ELD program at Jacobson Elementary. Stakeholders are hopeful that their voices will influence the district's decision-making process, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to thrive in their new educational environment. The board's next steps will be closely watched as the community awaits a resolution to this pressing issue.