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District presents language access plan; board to vote Dec. 1
Summary
Robbinsdale Area Schools staff presented a newly required Language Access Plan outlining interpreter and translation services, staff roles, monitoring and training; the plan will come back for a Dec. 1 board vote after clarifying questions about in‑person interpreters and supports for unscheduled encounters.
District staff introduced the Robbinsdale Area Schools Language Access Plan, which is designed to ensure "timely, meaningful, and equitable access to information and services for families and stakeholders who prefer to communicate in languages other than English," Toni Boyden, director of student services, told the board. The plan lists identification of language needs, interpreter and translation services, staff roles and training, two‑way communication channels (parent advisory and affinity groups), translated forms and surveys, and annual monitoring to review interpreter use and family feedback.
Board members asked how the district will staff interpreter needs for different contexts. Boyden said the district provides in‑person, virtual and phone interpreters and can arrange interpreters for home visits; individual schools complete a form to request the preferred mode. A director asked whether "simplified English" or plain language guidance is included for written materials; staff said they would follow up with specifics on training and simplified‑English guidance.
Administrators told the board they will bring the plan back for a vote at the Dec. 1 board meeting and will post the plan on the district website after approval. The presentation emphasized monitoring and family feedback to refine services over time.
