Adult students praise El Rancho adult school, urge officials not to close program

René, a student who said he arrived in 2024, told meeting attendees he feels "rejuvenated" after returning to class and is now "reading English literature in its original language." He said he enrolled in an intensive high‑school program called GT and completed his HD (high‑school diploma) in almost three weeks.

Rosa Rodríguez, 73, said she found the free adult school through "Boom Brocker" and took classes to improve communication with her grandchildren and to learn computing because she lives alone. She described raising children across borders and said one son graduated from Warren High School and now works at the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C., as evidence that adult education can change life trajectories.

Both speakers credited instructors. Rosa named two teachers, Mr. Chin and Mr. Chafino, and said their instruction had a deep personal impact: "never is too late" to study, she said. Both commenters urged officials not to close the adult‑education program; Rosa called the school "a therapy" and said she was encouraging others to enroll.

The remarks were delivered as public comments and reflected personal testimony rather than formal proposals or votes. The transcript contains no statement from officials about a planned closure; attendees expressed concern and made an appeal for program continuity. The meeting record does not include any motions, votes, or staff responses about the school's status.

Background: speakers described the program as offering English instruction, an intensive high‑school track (GT) and free computer classes. René said the intensive track allowed him to focus for a month and complete his diploma work rapidly; Rosa said computer classes helped her manage daily life and family communication. Both emphasized the program's community and mental‑health benefits and said they were sharing information with neighbors to boost enrollment.

Next steps: the transcript does not record a staff response or an agenda item about the adult school, so it is not clear whether the remarks will prompt follow‑up. The comments on record conclude with public appeals to maintain the program.