Parents urge Liberty Hill ISD to restore two‑way dual language program

At the Liberty Hill ISD board meeting on July 20, two parents urged trustees to revisit a recent change to the district’s dual language program and return to a two‑way model that pairs English‑ and Spanish‑speaking students.

Emilia Harlow, identifying herself as an LA ISD graduate and parent, said the program’s shift “from a two way, meaning English speakers and Spanish speakers coming together, to a one way” has reduced integration and community connection. “By going one way, you’re taking away any sort of true integration allowing the students to help each other and allowing the students to help those teachers,” she said.

Ashley Kubison, who said she has two children in the program, told trustees she has heard from other parents who now decline enrollment because they fear Spanish‑speaking students will be isolated from their peers. “I was reached out to by a mom last week … asked me questions about the program. She’s worried that it’s going to further isolate her child from the rest of the population,” Kubison said, adding that she feared program attrition if the district does not restore a two‑way model.

Both speakers acknowledged district financial pressures and invited the board and district staff to explore investments, volunteer support or foundation donations to sustain and expand the program. Neither the superintendent nor trustees announced an immediate policy change during the meeting.

Why it matters: Dual language programs affect classroom composition, family enrollment choices and long‑term community integration. Parents at the meeting said the move to a Spanish‑only model is already influencing enrollment decisions and may harm program growth and teacher support.

The board moved on to other agenda items after public comment. No formal action on the dual language model was taken at the July 20 meeting.