A pair of student leaders asked candidates how they would help add Asian and other world languages at Malden High School. Candidates broadly supported expanding language offerings but said hiring qualified teachers and funding are obstacles.

Mei, a senior, said students wrote a 10-page report urging more Asian languages. Nam asked, "What's your specific plan to help bring more inclusive languages, like Creole or like Chinese Mandarin... to Malden High School?"

Candidates offered a mix of short- and long-term steps. Peter Piazza and others recommended "grow your own" pathways to develop local bilingual educators and suggested partnering with community organizations to staff language exposure or after-school programs. Piazza said students who already speak target languages are a resource and that partnerships could support education-support-professional roles while formal teacher hiring is pursued.

Nicole Masalom proposed cultural celebrations and districtwide "World Languages Month" as interim steps to raise visibility and build demand while seeking funding. Elizabeth Hordy and Sharon Rose Iberg said they would advocate for district action and pursue after-school avenues if in-class offerings are not immediately feasible.

Constraints candidates noted included difficulty recruiting certified language teachers and limited district budget. Several candidates urged creative community partnerships, internships and growing teacher pipelines from Malden students as ways to expand access.

The youth presenters were thanked by candidates and moderators; no formal commitments or timelines were made at the forum.