School board asks superintendent to report cost of stipends for dual-language teachers; board members discuss immersion program options

The Broward County School Board on June 10 requested a district report on the cost of stipends for dual-language teachers and asked for information on certification costs, after a Multilingual Advisory Committee presentation that urged pay stipends and expansion of immersion programs.

Joy Gomez Hicks, vice chair of the Multilingual Advisory Committee, said the committee had a successful year and visited multiple dual-language programs. The committee—speakers noted—unanimously passed a motion asking the district to provide a stipend for every dual-language teacher to help recruitment and retention. “Teachers must again have to be prepared to instruct the dual-language courses,” the committee told the board, adding that a stipend would help hire and retain candidates, the presentation said.

During board discussion, Board Member Lori Alhadeff asked the superintendent to “come back to the board with the financial impact to provide stipends for the dual language teachers, and then the board could decide whatever the next steps are.” Superintendent Dr. Vance Hepburn said the request was noted and staff would prepare that information. Several board members also asked staff to include the cost of teacher certification/testing so the board understands the full budget implications.

Board members also discussed immersion and regionalization of dual-language programs. Dr. Allen Zeman urged the district and board to assemble peer‑review summaries of research on outcomes for dual-language students, noting that research results and program design (for example whether math is taught in the target language) can affect academic outcomes. Board Member Rebecca Thompson asked that information on pre-K immersion and regional models be presented during broader “redefining” discussions this summer and fall.

Outcom…