The Bend-LaPine School Board held its regular meeting on September 9, 2025, focusing on various educational programs and their impact on the district. The meeting highlighted the significance of dual immersion and newcomer programs, emphasizing their scale and importance within the Oregon education system.

One of the key discussions centered around the dual immersion program, which, if considered its own school district, would surpass the size of over 100 existing school districts in Oregon. Similarly, the newcomer program was noted to be larger than 50 school districts. This comparison underscored the substantial role these programs play in the educational landscape and the resources required to sustain them.

A board member commended the efforts of the team involved in these programs, acknowledging the hard work and dedication necessary to support students who are often new to the system. The member expressed appreciation for the growth observed over the years and recognized the recent hiring of a graduate, Carlos, as a positive step forward.

Additionally, questions were raised regarding the assessment strategies for exiting English Language Development (ELD) students. The board confirmed that the English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) remains the primary tool for evaluating these students, adhering to state requirements.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the collaborative efforts within the district and a commitment to continue supporting the diverse needs of its student population. The board plans to follow up on the discussions and explore further enhancements to the programs mentioned.