Regional jail board approves funding for bilingual GED instructor, seeks Spanish-language supports

The Prince William Manassas Regional Jail Board voted July 21 to increase commissary funding to add a bilingual instructor to help Spanish-speaking inmates access GED preparation and to continue research into whether a GED program can be taught in Spanish.

A staff member reading the resolution told the board it would "increase the commissary budget for inmate educational programs by $14,096 for the addition of a bilingual instructor to facilitate GED classes in Spanish," and noted that "the state of Virginia does not allow the program to be taught in Spanish only; however, a bilingual instructor may be used to assist individuals with learning." The resolution passed on a recorded roll call with all members present voting yes and one absence (Miss Smith).

Why it matters: the board’s action responds to questions from volunteers and stakeholders who have urged more programming in inmates’ native language. Board member Torres had earlier asked the administration to study the viability of Spanish-language GED classes and of providing a Spanish-speaking mental-health therapist; staff said the study will look at partnerships, vendors and budget implications and will report back in 60 days.

Superintendent and staff details: Captain Howard West, director of classification and treatment, told the board the jail already has taken steps to serve Spanish speakers: a bilingual mental-health therapist was hired in December, Opportunity Alternative Resources (OAR) and other vendors have recruited bilingual instructors, and 46 ADC staff receive a certified language stipend for Spanish. "We have increased some programming for the Spanish-speaking population," West said, and added that the jail will schedule new volunteer orientations to help faith-based and community groups participate.

Legal and implementation questions: several board members asked whether the prohibition on teaching GED entirely in Spanish is a statute or a regulation. Staff said Prince William County Adult Education researched the issue and reached out to the state; the board agreed to adopt the resolution while staff continues to investigate the legal definition and any steps needed to offer Spanish-language instruction and to clarify whether exams would be taken in Spanish or English.

COVID and program timing: staff said small-scale programming, including religious services in the modular building, is planned to resume in August and that volunteers must be vaccinated to attend orientation or services. Captain West cautioned programming remains subject to COVID precautions. "We have no positive cases right now for staff," he said, while noting vaccination rates among staff are still increasing.

What’s next: staff will return with the legal research requested by the board and with implementation details, including start dates for the bilingual instruction sessions and orientation logistics.