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District presents bilingual education findings to board, urges legislative action

Gadsden Independent Schools Board of Education · December 12, 2025
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Summary

District presenters and guests summarized state bilingual education models, local dual-language participation and challenges including teacher shortages and inconsistent funding; presenters urged policy alignment, improved funding/stipends, and a statewide working group to support bilingual program quality.

A board discussion and presentation focused on bilingual education models, local participation and legislative engagement.

Board members and guests summarized five statewide bilingual/multicultural education program (BMEP) models (dual‑language immersion, heritage, transitional, maintenance, and enrichment) and said New Mexico lacks data linking student outcomes to specific models. Presenters cited local counts (about 10,800 students districtwide, roughly 5,000 bilingual students and about 3,200 students in bilingual programs) and said dual‑language programs are associated locally with higher designation results: several spotlight schools are dual language.

Mister Reyes, appearing as a district bilingual advocate, urged stronger policy and funding alignment at the state level to support implementation quality. "Dual language program... the model of dual language is the gold standard," Reyes said, arguing for clear accountability, incentives for bilingual teachers and a statewide bilingual education working group that would include educators, tribal language experts and higher‑education partners.

Board members asked about program equity, recruitment and teacher certification challenges; presenters acknowledged teacher shortages, small stipends and uneven incentives. The board discussed plans to nominate Riverside and Desert Trail elementary schools for recognition at a bilingual education day at the Legislature and encouraged district advocacy with legislators in February.

No formal policy was adopted at the meeting; board members asked administration to develop a workshop and continue engagement with bilingual program staff and legislators.