Parents tell Norwalk board Silvermine dual-language program strayed from 50/50 model; they ask for review

Several parents and community members pressed the Norwalk Board of Education on Feb. 3 to take action after months of concerns about the Silvermine dual-language program.

Angela Geraldo, speaking remotely, summarized what she described as "systemic lapses" over three years: Spanish intervention services removed, Spanish assessments inconsistent or unavailable to families, non-daily Spanish instruction substituted with art or specials on some days, and hiring of staff without proper dual-language certification. "I respectfully ask the board to restore the approved 50 50 dual language model and core framework components," Geraldo said, and she asked the board to require certified dual-language teachers, standardized Spanish assessments, meaningful parent engagement, and an independent compliance and financial review of program fidelity and magnet-fund use.

Parent Jessica Hopkins told the board she has not received clear Spanish-language assessment data for her fourth-grade daughter and described delayed or inconsistent responses from school staff about program scheduling and balance.

Daisy Sebastian, another parent, thanked the board for leadership changes at Silvermine but urged superintendent Dr. Estrella to provide a plan for rebuilding trust and staffing, saying the school has lost about 27 staff members in recent years.

District response and next steps: the superintendent and staff covered special-education and program structures during the meeting and described a range of training and program supports across the district, but they did not order an independent compliance review during the session. Board members asked for clarification on how dual-language classrooms differ from MLL (Multilingual Learner) services and emphasized the need for central-office staff to understand distinct program models so reporting to the board is accurate.

What remains unresolved: parents asked for standardized Spanish assessments, restoration of immersion staffing and greater transparency about program changes and magnet fund use; board members asked administration to follow up with detailed answers and next steps.

The board moved on to the superintendent report and action items; parents said they expect further follow-up from district leadership.