Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Adult Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee OKs 3% increase to Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy contract amid rising need for ESOL services
Summary
The Education and Culture Committee approved a 3% inflationary increase—$75,361—to the Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy (MCAEL) county contract, citing growing demand for adult ESOL services across the county; incoming executive director Gerard Etienne and program staff presented mid‑year data showing rising learner counts.
The Montgomery County Council Education and Culture Committee approved a 3% inflationary increase to the county contract for the Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy (MCAEL) Wednesday, April 23, in a recommendation the full council will consider during budget reconciliation.
Committee staff described the action as a ‘‘same services’’ contract renewal that adds a 3% inflationary adjustment—$75,361 over FY25—to the nonprofit’s county support. Without objection, the panel approved the adjustment as part of the committee’s operating budget recommendations.
Why it matters: MCAEL coordinates a network of adult ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programs that county staff say cannot match the overall growth in the local population needing services. MCAEL staff told the committee that the American Community Survey estimates roughly 139,000 county residents speak English less than “very well,” up from 134,000 the prior year.
Program snapshot: MCAEL staff said the Coalition funds 24 partner organizations that operate 29 ESOL programs. Rudy Chung, MCAEL’s director of programs, told the committee that midyear July–December 2024 reporting shows more than 3,500 unique learners and a total of 4,366 class enrollments when duplicated enrollments are counted. The nonprofit reported growth in in‑person classes (46 in the July–December 2024 window) and more hybrid offerings as in‑person capacity returned after the pandemic.
Leadership: Gerard Etienne, the coalition’s incoming executive director, told the committee his personal background as an immigrant informs his approach to the role. Committee members welcomed Etienne and thanked former executive director Kathy Stevens for her work. Several council members emphasized the importance of MCAEL’s East County outreach and suggested a joint session with the county’s health and human services committee to coordinate on mental health and immigrant supports.
Committee action: Council staff recommended approval of the executive’s MCAEL funding as submitted, subject to the separate approval of the 3% adjustment; the committee approved the 3% increase without objection and welcomed Etienne.
Next steps: The committee indicated it expects to revisit MCAEL and called for ongoing updates on the coalition’s strategic plan and outreach, especially efforts to expand classes and services in East County.
