Conroe ISD pauses plan to discontinue dual-language immersion after hours of public comment

Conroe ISD trustees heard more than two hours of public comment Wednesday night before Superintendent Dr. Noll withdrew a recommendation to discontinue the district’s dual‑language immersion program and asked staff to work with parents and teachers on alternatives.

The recommendation to begin sunsetting the two‑way dual‑language program had been added to the board agenda with little prior notice, prompting dozens of parents, students and teachers to speak in favor of keeping the program. The public speakers described academic and social benefits, long family commitments to the program, wait lists at campuses such as Lamar Elementary, and consequences for families who moved into district attendance zones to enroll their children.

“Coming to this program has shaped major life choices including where we live and work,” said Kayla Bachmeier, a parent who identified herself as a CISD graduate and current teacher, summarizing comments made by many families. Several teachers and administrators described gains in biliteracy and classroom resilience; Brenda Yanez, a Lamar…