Dual language immersion team proposes grant pathway and grow‑your‑own pipeline to address teacher vacancies

Crystal Wilkerson presented outcomes and recommendations from an ad hoc DLI parent advisory committee and staff analysis. The committee proposed establishing a local grant to collect and earmark charitable contributions for DLI program support, removing financial barriers to certification (the iTeach pathway was cited at about $3,500 per candidate), and using part of a DoDEA grant to provide stipends recognizing extra work required for bilingual instruction.

Wilkerson noted supply challenges: several outside recruitment contracts previously used visas to place teachers but rising visa costs and lower availability have prompted the division to contract a firm targeting regional bilingual candidates and to pursue partnerships with local teacher‑preparation programs and academies to build a “grow‑your‑own” pipeline. Administration said DLI parent survey results show approximately 59.6 percent of families are likely to continue DLI into middle school, while 33.3 percent are unlikely.

Board members supported the recommendations in principle but asked for clarity on costs and whether incentive proposals should be district‑wide (to cover special education and other shortage areas) rather than limited to DLI. Superintendent and budget staff said systemwide tuition reimbursement increases are being considered (a proposed increase from $1,000 to $2,000 was discussed) and noted equity implications of targeted incentives.

Next steps: administration will provide cost estimates and, if needed, bring funding requests to the board; staff will explore cohorts and partnerships for certification support and continue targeted recruitment contracts.