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Board reviews proposed resolution urging federal Title III funding and raising immigration language concerns
Summary
Board members reviewed a resolution asking state legislators and the governor to press the federal government for more Title III funding for English learners and included language about border enforcement that prompted members to suggest edits and fact-checking.
Board counsel and a board member presented a draft resolution asking state legislators and the governor to advocate for increased federal Title III funding to serve English learners. The draft says the increase needed is $3,500 more per English-learner student and urges federal action so the cost is not borne primarily by local taxpayers.
The resolution text also included language calling on the state and federal government to “expedite the closure of our nation's borders,” which prompted members to recommend careful wording changes. During the work session, one board member flagged an inaccurate or imprecise reference that the U.S. border had been “closed officially yesterday at 12:01,” and other members advised the board staff to verify and, if needed, change the language before the resolution is considered on Thursday.
Board member Mr. Tidwell clarified the resolution’s primary aim: “we're advocating for federal to change the Title III” funding level so districts are not financially strained. Director of Schools said district staff are concerned about potential federal funding cuts to Title II (professional development) and Title III and called those areas the most at risk according to “rumor mill” reports.
The resolution was presented for board consideration on the upcoming Thursday agenda; staff and board members said they would check the border-related language and route the final resolution to state legislators. No formal vote was taken during the work session.
