Faribault school board schedules June 2 vote after heated discussion on Somali and Spanish language classes

The Faribault Public Schools School Board held a lengthy discussion May 19 on a proposal to add daily language-and-content blocks that would allow students to receive science, social studies and health instruction in English, Spanish or Somali and to offer an optional language component for grades 1–4.

Supporters—many of them parents—urged the board to approve the Spanish and Somali language-and-culture classes to preserve home languages and boost family communication. Parent Yousuf Ali told the board: “I am asking the school board to support the creation of our Somali language and culture class.” Another parent, Sadia Ahmed, said: “Please vote for us. Our language is distinguishing. It's disappearing as we speak, and our children do not speak. They don't understand.” Alejandra Juarez, speaking in Spanish through translation, said: “If you speak to someone in a language they understand, the words will go to their head. If you speak to them in their own language, the words will go to their heart.”

Administrators described the proposed model as a 30‑minute content block built into the elementary day for grades 1–5 that will cover Minnesota State…