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FMSD staffer urges board to revisit CCA enrollment rules that exclude newly arrived English learners
Summary
Imelda Murillo, an FMSD staff member and parent, told the board that CCA's reading threshold based on an English-only STAR test excludes many newly arrived English learners; she urged testing in students' native languages and reconsideration of the 0.25 grade-level reading cutoff.
Imelda Murillo, introduced to the board as FMSD staff, urged trustees to reconsider the enrollment process at CCA, saying it excludes newly arrived English learners who cannot yet show English reading on district tests. "I would like to address the lack of consideration for English language learners, particularly newly arrived in students in the enrollment process at CCA," Murillo said during oral communications.
Murillo said she participated in the school's planning and cited district data showing a significant gap: "In the 2024 to 2025 school year, ed data shows that 43 percent of FMSD students are English language learners compared to only 3.8 percent at CCA." She proposed testing newcomers in their native language and considering students who read above a 4th-grade level in their native language for enrollment, arguing that lack of English proficiency does not mean a student cannot handle CCA's rigor. The board president thanked Murillo and said the board could not provide an immediate answer but would note her request for next steps and follow-up.
Why it matters: Murillo framed the issue as an equity concern for district students, asking the board to align CCA's admissions process with the district's demographic reality. The comment prompted no formal action during the meeting; the board acknowledged the request and indicated staff could respond in future agenda materials.
