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School committee approves short‑term funding for Spanish and Portuguese interpretation, will budget annually
Summary
The committee approved allocating FY25 school committee departmental funds to pay for Spanish and Portuguese interpretation via Zoom (in addition to ASL) beginning Jan. 22. The six‑month cost estimate is roughly $4,800; the committee directed staff to move expense funds into the appropriate line and will budget an annual estimate in FY26.
The Framingham School Committee voted to fund Spanish and Portuguese real‑time interpretation for school committee meetings via Zoom beginning Jan. 22, adding to existing American Sign Language services.
Superintendent Dr. Tremblay and committee members highlighted inclusion and accessibility goals; the administration estimated a short‑term cost of about $4,800 to fund interpretation through July (two interpreters per language at an estimated $400 per meeting, assuming two meetings per month). The administration proposed budgeting a recurring FY26 line with an annual estimate of roughly $9,600 if the district continues two meetings per month.
Lincoln Lynch, executive director of finance and operations, explained two administrative options to pay for the FY25 expense: move funds from the expense side into additional salaries or allow the district to show the expense within the school committee department budget and reconcile savings in other lines. The committee approved language permitting Lynch to transfer funds from expense to additional salaries as needed to cover the cost for FY25.
The motion passed by roll call; the committee recorded unanimous approval among members present (District 6 absent). Committee members asked communications staff to run a robust outreach plan so families and students know interpretation is available.
Officials said they will include interpretation as a cost center in next year’s budget to ensure continuity if the service continues.
