Eureka Union School District English‑learner staff reported to the board on the district’s EL population, progress on reclassification, and supports for students at risk of becoming long‑term English learners (LTELs). Presenters described current counts, testing trends, LTEL numbers and the district’s reclassification gates.

Why it matters: EL services are an accountability area under California law. District staff said monitoring LTELs, improving access to grade‑level content and clarifying reclassification procedures are priorities to support student achievement and to comply with state expectations.

Current counts and trends: staff reported the district currently has “257 ELs” and said that number was expected to rise because about 180 additional students were still undergoing testing. The presenters said 26 of the 257 ELs were newcomers and described a substantial share of the district’s EL population as Russian‑speaking in several schools; Excelsior had the largest EL population at the time of the report.

LTELs and risk: presenters identified 14 students as long‑term English learners but clarified some counts during the presentation; they said the district’s LTEL percentage (about 5% of ELs) was below statewide averages and that 16 ELs were at risk of becoming LTELs in the coming year. Staff said many LTELs are “homegrown” but noted some LTELs arrived from other districts.

Reclassification gates: staff explained the district’s multi‑gate reclassification process. The first mandatory gate is a summative ELPAC score of 4 (the state summative assessment). After that, staff consider a CAASPP (CAST) “met” designation or an I‑Ready “met/exceeded” standard, teacher recommendation (including grades and the state Octel observation tool) and consultation with the parent or guardian; presenters noted the parent consultation is required but a parent does not have veto authority.

Instruction and professional development: staff highlighted recent PD (designated and integrated ELD, ELPAC supports, an August EL boot camp and AI tools for differentiation) and said the district is working on an EL master plan and will continue PD to support EL reclassification and LTEL prevention. The board asked clarifying questions about district practices and praised the reported growth.

No action requested: trustees received the report and did not vote on policy changes at this meeting.