District reports 4,029 students served in ESL/bilingual program

Dr. Mary Jones, Director of Educational Programs and Accountability, presented the 2024–25 ESL/Bilingual Report, saying there were 4,029 students in the ESL/bilingual program and 65 home languages represented across the district. Jones told trustees EMS ISD did not have to file a Spanish bilingual exception for the year — the district has been fully staffed in Spanish bilingual instruction for 10 consecutive years — but did request bilingual exceptions for French and Nepali and an ESL waiver covering 19 ELAR teachers while several teachers pursue ESL certification.