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Residents and teachers urge Beaumont Unified to expand English-learner support as classes swell
Summary
Public commenters and a longtime EL teacher told the Beaumont Unified Board the district needs more bilingual aides and smaller designated EL classes after one support class was rostered at nearly 40 students; board members asked staff for a Friday memo on EL population trends.
Cesar Lopez and a Beaumont High School EL teacher urged the Beaumont Unified Board of Trustees on Aug. 20 to expand bilingual support and reduce the size of designated English-learner classes.
"The population of English learners at Beaumont High School is exploding...this is a very vulnerable group of students that really, really need help," said Cesar Lopez, who asked the board to approve three bilingual aide positions on the agenda and to open an additional afternoon support section. Lopez said many students are newly arrived refugees and reported that a fifth-period support class currently had 35 students.
Sarah Avila, who identified herself as an EL teacher and former EL coordinator at Beaumont High School, said her roster lists 39 students for a designated EL support class and asked the board to aim for 15 to 20 students per class. "When designated EL classes are capped at 15 to 20, students were more successful on not only the ELPAC, but also received better semester grades," Avila said.
Board members responded by praising staff for a strong start to the school year and requesting more data. One board member asked for a report or Friday memo showing EL population growth and trends and whether recent enrollments reflect redesignation needs or true increases in newcomers.
The board did not take additional action on the public comments during the meeting; members directed staff to provide the requested information so trustees can consider class-section changes and resource alignment.
The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
