District presents feasibility report for Spanish‑English dual‑language program at Haycox; parents and teachers press board for data and timeline

The Hueneme Elementary School District governing board on Monday received a feasibility report recommending a Spanish‑English dual‑language immersion (DLI) strand at Haycox Elementary School, prompting hours of public comment from parents, current and former teachers and district staff and no formal action at the meeting.

Senior Director of Multilingual Education and Family Engagement Marisol Guillen summarized the report and the district’s recommendation to begin a one‑way (heritage) 50/50 DLI strand starting with transitional kindergarten and kindergarten in the 2026–27 school year. "Given the student demographics and academic outcomes, a dual language immersion program is not only an educational opportunity, but a necessary one," Guillen said, noting the district data presented in the report that showed a high percentage of English learners and Spanish speakers at Haycox.

The report and presentation emphasized research‑based benefits cited in the district analysis — bilingualism, biliteracy, and cognitive advantages — and listed startup costs the district estimated in the presentation: about $55,000 for curriculum and professional development, $30,000 for a Spanish bilingual library and classroom books, and ongoing professional development costs estimated at $25,000 a year. The report also identified likely…