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Merced City School District to pilot dual‑language immersion at Don Stoll in 2025–26, trustees told
Summary
District staff recommended a Don Stoll Elementary pilot Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program for 2025–26, starting with two kindergarten sections (90/10 Spanish model) and phased expansion; trustees asked how the pilot will be coordinated with boundary changes and supports for low‑performing student groups.
Merced City School District officials recommended on Dec. 10 that the board launch a Dual Language Immersion pilot at Don Stoll Elementary in the 2025–26 school year.
The district’s DLI planning task force proposed two kindergarten sections to start, configured on a 90/10 Spanish‑immersion model that adds English instruction each year until reaching a roughly 50/50 balance by third or fourth grade. The task force recommended class demographics include about 50% native Spanish speakers and 50% native English speakers; officials said the program will use research‑based practices, vetted curriculum and teacher professional development.
The plan sets a clear timeline for family outreach and enrollment: kindergarten registration will open March 3 (district materials say March 3 is the target), the district school‑of‑choice/program application window will close March 31, screeners would be run in April and families notified in May. Remaining seats would be filled via the usual lottery process. Staff said recruitment will prioritize qualified, credentialed teachers and will include a parent information series beginning in February 2025.
Why it matters: district leaders framed the DLI pilot as both an instructional and equity strategy in a demographically diverse district where bilingualism can improve family engagement and, according to presenters, long‑term academic outcomes. Public speakers and task‑force members said neighboring districts that have adopted DLI provide local models for implementation and outcomes.
Support and concerns: multiple parents, teachers and community advocates spoke in favor of DLI during the public comment period. Veronica Chacon, an educator and Merced resident, said: “We need DLI in Merced City Schools.” Teachers on the task force described observing bilingual classrooms where students achieve at or above grade level in both languages.
Trustees asked procedural and equity questions. Trustee Lacaretti asked whether starting a pilot now risks stretching staff and attention amid boundary changes, a planned ELOP (expanded learning opportunities program) center and Measure O facilities work. She also asked how the district will ensure attention to historically lowest‑performing groups, including African‑American students. District leaders said they are beginning with a small, intentionally phased pilot (two kindergarten sections) and will coordinate implementation with targeted supports such as early‑literacy interventions and ongoing engagement with the Black Parallel School Board and other community partners.
Next steps: the DLI presentation was informational; there was no vote on Dec. 10. Staff said final procedural details and the DLI framework will be published before the school‑of‑choice window opens, and that the district will provide clear enrollment guidance and parent meetings beginning in February 2025.
The board will receive subsequent implementation materials (curriculum selection, staffing plans and enrollment forms) as the district finalizes the framework.
