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District outlines steps to address ENL community concerns; families press for clearer communication
Summary
Board members described follow-up meetings, student surveys and family outreach after public concerns about the ENL program. A parent and resident asked the district to prioritize direct, language-accessible communication and to share transparency on regents exemption requests.
Board members reported follow-up outreach after concerns raised about the district’s ENL (English as a New Language) program at a previous meeting, including a multi-hour meeting with community representatives, in-person and survey outreach to approximately 140 students, distribution of anonymous surveys to ENL families, and a commitment to a formal follow-up meeting in late September or early October.
The board described program supports that include orientation for new ENL families, quarterly parent meetings on Zoom, daily digest emails via Infinite Campus, and translated text messages entered via TalkingPoints so families receive information in their home language. Dr. DeMeo said translation is provided either in person through bilingual staff or via phone translation services at meetings.
During public comment, Shella Islam, a Valley Stream resident and parent at South High School, thanked the board for meeting with community members and pressed for an explicit action plan. She said, “Communication with families must be a priority,” and asked whether translation services are consistently available and whether there is a designated contact parents can call in their language.
The board reiterated a willingness to continue dialogue and promised further follow-up; staff said the district is collecting survey data from families and will convene additional meetings.
