Parent asks Boerne ISD to address transportation and after-school cost barriers for Spanish immersion program

Amanda Stubblefield, a parent, told the Boerne ISD Board of Trustees on Dec. 16 that the district's new Spanish immersion program at Cibolo Creek Elementary offers academic and cultural benefits but that transportation and after-school costs are creating equity barriers for families.

Stubblefield praised the district"Your commitment to rigor and multilingual programming is appreciated" and described the program as an enrichment opportunity that provides content instruction in Spanish and English. She told trustees many families who value the program face a dilemma: if a student enrolls at a campus other than their home campus to participate, parents must arrange after-school care away from their zoned campus. She cited cost differences between district-affiliated after-school options, noting that "the Boys & Girls Club is $50 a month, whereas the cost of YMCA program is $352 a month," and asked the district to consider equitable solutions for transportation and affordable after-school care for immersion students.

She also noted the district already buses high-school students between campuses for specialized programs and asked staff to consider similar transportation support so elementary immersion families can access affordable after-school programs without facing large added costs.

Why this matters: Program access can be limited by transportation and the expense of after-school care. Trustees heard a specific request for the district to review bus options and to consider partnering with affordable providers to reduce cost barriers.

No board motion followed the public comment; trustees received the request for administrative follow-up.