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Bangor residents, state representative urge $5,000 pilot for expanded English classes
Summary
Community members and a state representative told the council that a $5,000 pilot to expand English-as-a-second-language classes would help immigrants access jobs and services; the proposal was presented during public comment but no council action was recorded.
At the Bangor City Council meeting on May 12, residents and community leaders urged the council to fund a $5,000 pilot program to expand English-as-a-second-language (ESL) classes for new Mainers. Francisca Smith, identified herself as a Bangor resident, Spanish teacher and president of Chista, proposed the city fund a one-year pilot offering beginner and intermediate classes, with 10 different sessions and expanded weekend and evening availability.
Smith described existing local supports — the teacher learning center and literacy volunteers — as insufficient for current demand and said improved class availability would increase employment and civic participation for non-English-speaking residents. "It's an issue of opportunity, inclusion, and equity," Smith said, asking the council for $5,000 to hire teachers and expand sessions.
State Representative Amy Raider, who identified herself as representing Bangor's District 23 and as chair of the Labor Committee, spoke in support of Smith's request. Raider said businesses across the state report vacancies that could be filled by immigrants and asylum seekers who can work once language barriers are reduced. "$5,000 for English as a second language classes will have incredible return on investment," Raider said, urging the council to consider the appropriation.
Speakers from the Maine Multicultural Center and local volunteers later reinforced the case during the reopened public-comment period, noting recent reductions in refugee resettlement funding and a gap in English-language services when Catholic Charities closes a local office. Pamela Prue Curry, executive director of the Maine Multicultural Center, said the closure of a local Catholic Charities office removes funding that previously supported intensive English instruction and warned that without local action, newcomers would face employment barriers.
Councilors did not take a recorded vote or make a motion to fund the pilot during the meeting; the request was offered as public comment and may be raised again in budget discussions. The council's manager and budget schedule were noted during the meeting; the city manager's proposed budget book is available online and budget meetings were scheduled later in May.
Ending: Advocates urged the council to consider a small, targeted appropriation to expand ESL classes; councilors did not take immediate action but the city budget process is active this month.
