District plans cost-saving interpreter program for language access support

The Mukilteo School District held its Regular School Board meeting on June 24, 2025, focusing on key initiatives aimed at enhancing language access and support for families within the district. The meeting, which took place on July 14, 2025, addressed several important topics related to interpretation and translation services.

One of the primary discussions centered on the district's plans to utilize existing staff for interpretation services. Officials noted that there is interest among parents and staff to take on additional hours for this purpose. The district aims to establish a process similar to that used for coaches, ensuring that staff members meet specific hour requirements before serving as interpreters. This initiative is expected to provide a cost-effective solution for language support.

Additionally, the district is exploring options for translation services. Currently, external partners charge by the page for translation, which presents challenges for the district. To address this, the district plans to pilot translation efforts internally, focusing on district office documents. This approach will allow the language access support personnel to assess the most effective methods for translation while managing costs.

The financial implications of these initiatives were also discussed. The district currently spends between $58 and $85 per hour for interpretation and translation services, with specialty services, such as those for special education or sign language, exceeding $100 per hour. By training staff to provide these services, the district anticipates reducing costs to between $27 and $40 per hour, resulting in significant savings.

In addition to these initiatives, the district is committed to enhancing family engagement by providing training to help families understand their language access rights and how to seek support. This effort aims to empower families and improve communication between the district and its diverse community.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the district's proactive approach to improving language access services, with a focus on cost savings and increased support for families. The board expressed enthusiasm for the progress made and the potential benefits these initiatives will bring to the Mukilteo School District community.