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Audit committee adopts ESOL audit after auditors flag high caseloads and paperwork burdens
Summary
The Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools audit committee adopted an audit of the district's ESOL program on March 26, 2026, after auditors reported a rapid enrollment increase, an average student-to-teacher ratio of 52.8 (state recommendation: 42) and duplicative paperwork that reduces instructional time; staff said reforms are underway.
The Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools audit committee adopted an internal audit of the district's English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program on March 26, 2026, after auditors said rising enrollment, uneven staffing and redundant paperwork have strained services.
Auditor Mr. O'Connor presented the report and said auditors examined compliance, implementation fidelity, academic effectiveness and equitable access. The audit found the ESOL program now serves about 3,300 students across 27 schools, a sharp increase from 10 schools in 2023-24, and noted that English learners rose from 7.7% of the district in 2023 to 12.3% in 2025, a larger percentage-point gain than in seven comparison districts.
"We found the average ratio across schools with ESOL programs is 52.8 students per teacher," Mr. O'Connor said, noting the district's…
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