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Parents and community urge board to restore funding for Bessie Carmichael Filipino Education Center
Summary
Dozens of parents, alumni and staff appealed to the board to restore funding and school code status to the Filipino Education Center (FEC Galingbata), describing the program’s bilingual services for newcomer students and its role enabling parents to work. They requested restoring the old school code or other funding collaborations.
Dozens of parents, alumni and staff addressed the school board on June 8 to urge restoration of funding and school‑code recognition for the Bessie Carmichael Filipino Education Center (FEC Galingbata), an after‑school bilingual and bicultural program serving many newcomer English learners.
Tina Alejo, speaking for the Filipino Education Center, said the program serves hundreds of children and more than half are newcomers and English learners. "This bilingual bicultural after school program ... has served hundreds of children, over 50% of whom are newcomers and English language learners," she said, and asked the district to consider restoring the original FEC school code (542) so the program can retain dedicated funding.
Parents described the program’s role in supporting working families, maintaining cultural and language instruction, and helping students with homework and social development. A student and several alumni spoke about how the program boosted language skills and pride in cultural heritage. Several speakers noted a letter of support from two city supervisors representing neighborhoods with high Filipino populations.
Speakers proposed solutions including restoring the prior school code so FEC can receive public funding, collaborating with site administrators to regrant funds, and working with district staff to explore appeals at the state level. Board staff noted the state had consolidated codes (merging Bessie Carmichael and FEC) which contributed to the change in funding; staff offered to discuss options with community members and the associate superintendent after the meeting.
What happens next: community leaders were given contact points with district administrators to explore immediate options and potential appeals; the issue was left open for further staff research and collaboration with community partners.
