Board approves Imagine Language & Literacy contract to support English learners

The Hillsborough County School Board approved on Aug. 26 a sole-source agreement with Imagine Learning LLC to continue use of Imagine Language & Literacy at elementary schools that serve English language learners.

Superintendent Van Ayers and staff said the program provides targeted literacy instruction with simultaneous native-language support in 20 languages. District staff reported 136 elementary sites currently use the program with 8,095 students rostered. District figures for the 2024–25 school year showed 98% of students in grades 1–5 had active accounts and an overall lesson pass rate of 85%. The board approved the contract by a unanimous vote after a motion by Member Combs and a second by Member Rendon.

Board members pressed staff about the size and needs of the ELL population. Melissa Mercado, the district’s general director for multilingual programs, confirmed that roughly 20% of current students are identified as English language learners (the district’s Hispanic student share was reported at about 41%). Board members expressed concern that ELL programming and Title funding be prioritized and directed into classroom supports and professional development. One trustee requested periodic progress updates tied to the district’s assessment cycles so the board can track outcomes for ELL students.

District leaders characterized the Imagine program as one of multiple efforts aimed at accelerating language acquisition and improving literacy access for emergent bilingual students and said they would provide updates on outcomes during the school year.

The contract passed on the consent/regular agenda; staff said the program is part of a broader strategy that includes alignment to district literacy initiatives and professional learning for classroom teachers.