Migrant education staff outline services, ask community to spread word

Superintendent Lee introduced a presentation from SFUSD's Migrant Education Parent Advisory Council on the program's services and outreach.

Migrant education staff Gina Padilla and Teresa Molina told the school board the program works with families who have done farm, packing or fisheries work in the United States in the last 36 months, making children eligible for three years of services. The council highlighted classroom support, home‑based pre‑K, health and emotional workshops for parents, and mentoring and professional development for teachers. Padilla said the program relies on outreach through parent liaisons, secretaries and word of mouth because many families do not self‑identify as migrant workers.

The presentation emphasized a March 6 forum at Mission High School (6–8 p.m.) where consular staff from Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala will meet families and share resources. Padilla said the regional office in San Jose provides professional development and the program is planning a larger symposium at Mission High to connect families with legal and social services.

Board members and student delegates asked for details about the content of professional development — cultural awareness and student history — and about how the district identifies and tracks migrant students across many sites. Padilla explained eligibility rules require that parents have performed qualifying agricultural or related work and bring proof of their work; she noted the program sometimes cannot serve families whose parents left children behind when they worked.

The board did not take formal action on the presentation. The superintendent and staff said they would follow up about coordination with the Mayor's Office of Community Engagement and Immigrant Affairs and confirm forum logistics.