Oshkosh schools celebrate cultural diversity as refugee students thrive in education programs

The Oshkosh Area Board of Education meeting on December 4, 2024, highlighted the positive impact of students from refugee backgrounds on the local school community. Board members discussed the cultural enrichment these students bring, particularly during significant events like Ramadan and through programs that connect African and African American cultures.

Dr. Herzak commended the comprehensive report on the district's English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program, noting the impressive number of students served, which exceeds that of some smaller districts in Wisconsin. The discussion also touched on potential changes in national refugee policies that could affect the number of students in the district, emphasizing the district's legal obligation to educate all students, regardless of their background.

Concerns were raised about the resources needed to support ESOL students, particularly in middle and high school, suggesting that the state Department of Public Instruction consider counting these students as more than one full-time equivalent (FTE) due to their unique needs.

World Relief representatives expressed confidence in the district's ability to support refugee families, highlighting the welcoming environment in Oshkosh that encourages secondary migration. A personal success story was shared about an Afghan student who, with the help of the district's ESOL program, graduated high school and is now thriving at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment that prepares all students to become global citizens. The board plans to continue exploring ways to enhance support for students from diverse backgrounds.