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Board approves migrant summer-program contract after questions about participation and access
Summary
The board approved a continuing contract with Students Today, Leaders Tomorrow to provide Saturday and summer services to migrant students. Trustees pressed staff over low completion rates (29 completed last year), barriers to attendance and requests for devices and a follow-up presentation.
The Merced City School District board voted to approve a contract continuation with Students Today, Leaders Tomorrow to run migrant‑education summer programming aimed at giving additional instructional time to migrant English‑learner students.
Staff described the program as a Saturday/July model that delivered 30 hours of instruction (six sessions), focused on writing and grammar, included three academic field trips and used a five‑point rubric on an informative essay for pre/post measurement. The district said it receives roughly $110,000 annually in state and federal migrant-program funding and uses vendors to expand services.
Board members pressed staff for data after learning that 29 students completed last year’s program and that 48 students attended at least one session, compared with a contracted target of 60 seats. Program staff said attendance is affected by the migratory nature of families (harvest seasons and work schedules), transportation barriers and that some students must work or care for family members. Staff noted 48 students attended at least one session and that the 29 completers took both pre‑ and post‑assessments.
Trustees asked about instructor training and whether the district provides Chromebooks or hotspots to support students’ continued practice. Staff said three instructors were trained in ELD/ELD strategies and cultural literacy, that the program purchased a license used in classrooms and that the district will provide device access when possible. Trustee Delgado requested a follow‑up presentation in September documenting attendance, barriers and program outcomes; staff agreed to return with a summary report.
The board approved the contract after discussion by roll call (motion by Trustee Brooks, second by Clerk Delgado). Trustees also discussed possible parent commitment letters and first‑come, first‑served enrollment if numbers are limited.
The board’s action keeps the district’s migrant‑education supplemental services in place for the coming summer; staff will continue outreach efforts and report back in the fall with participation data and recommendations.
