Bilingual Education Council urges district to restore bilingual staffing and consult on program changes

At the Rochester Board of Education business meeting on April 23, Melissa Meehan read a report from the Bilingual Education Council asking the district for immediate steps to support bilingual families.

Meehan said the council has repeatedly heard from families that the district lacks sufficient bilingual administrators, social workers and teachers. She requested an updated list with names and positions of bilingual principals, assistant principals and administrative staff in buildings with bilingual programs and parent‑facing roles. Meehan also said the council had been made aware that at least three bilingual staff were moved away from the Office of Parent Engagement, leaving that office without bilingual coverage.

She noted the bilingual pre‑K3 program at School 22 has been restored, but the change was not communicated to the Bilingual Education Council, which the speaker said conflicts with the council’s 2022 bylaws requiring consultation: “Article 2, item 3 clearly states that the BEC will consult with the district in the design implementation and location of bilingual programs.” Meehan urged the district to make engagement with bilingual families “proactive and reciprocal” rather than reactive.

The board received the report; no formal resolution was attached to Meehan’s presentation. The superintendent and chief academic staff are expected to follow up with the council and provide the requested staffing information and clarification about the Office of Parent Engagement.