Approval of English Learner Master Plan sparks community excitement

In a recent Pomona Unified School District board meeting, the approval of the English Learner Multilingual Student Master Plan was celebrated as a significant milestone in enhancing educational support for multilingual students. Mr. Ortiz, who presented the plan, highlighted that it represents three years of dedicated research and collaboration among a lead writing team, which includes Julie Pantoja, Daniel Donaldson Levette, Susie Serrato, Jesus Altamirano, Dr. Juan Areche, and Renee Roy Buckwe. The plan aims to provide rigorous programs and equitable support for multilingual students and their families, with translations into Spanish and Mandarin planned for wider accessibility.

The board members praised the comprehensive and visually engaging report, noting its intuitive design that facilitates easy navigation. Dr. Perlman commended the report's clarity and detail, while other members expressed their appreciation for the effort put into the project.

During the meeting, public comments were also addressed, with former PUC student parent Claudia Cano raising concerns about the district's governance and the need for updated policies. She criticized the board for ignoring public input and highlighted issues related to special education and the achievement gap among various student demographics. Cano called for a petition to remove current board members and the superintendent to initiate a fresh start.

Superintendent Knowles concluded the meeting by thanking board members and community advocates for their support and participation in recent initiatives, including a successful graduation event for students and upcoming summer programs aimed at providing additional educational opportunities. The meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving educational outcomes for all students while acknowledging the challenges that remain.