Alabama public schools are experiencing challenges as more non-English speaking students enroll.
English Learner (EL) students are identified through assessments and need EL instructors. Superintendents tell 1819 News they are doing all they can to address these students' needs.
Statewide, 9.91% of students are EL students. However, some school systems have much higher percentages.
Albertville City Schools are at 56.23%; Tarrant City Schools, 46.62%; Boaz City Schools, 37.43%; and Fort Payne City Schools, 39.52%.
Boaz City Schools has an enrollment of 2,596 students, with 531 receiving EL services.
"Boaz Elementary has the largest number of EL students at this time, but all of our schools have increased significantly since 2019," Superintendent Todd Haynie told 1819 News.
The school system prepared for an increase in students, but growth exceeded expectations. Challenges the system is facing include classroom space and a significant drop in the number of teacher applicants. Haynie said despite the challenges, educators have adapted to provide the best learning opportunities possible.
"The amount of time and effort that the members of our organization pour into our students on a daily basis is astounding," he said. "I am so thankful for how we have taken on the mindset of 'controlling the things we can control' and embraced the challenges as opportunities. So even though it's not easy, we are doing our very best."
To fill the gaps in some areas, Haynie said a new 1% sales tax will be used for upgrades and additions.
According to Miranda Humphrey, the system's public relations and marketing coordinator, Albertville City Schools (ACS) has seen an uptick in Haitian students since January. Humphrey said translators are working in the district to assist the 111 students and other EL students. These new enrollments make up 2% of students.
"Enrollment has been growing year over year at ACS, and that is always on our radar," Humphrey said. "We remain in close communication with our legislators, advocating for the additional funding and resources needed to meet these unique challenges."
The school system receives $534 per student from the state.
"In contrast, federal support last year was only $89 per EL student," Humphrey added. "We continue to work diligently to secure necessary resources to support our students and ensure they have every opportunity to succeed."
"Our district is fortunate to have an outstanding team of educators, including teachers, administrators and aides, who are dedicated to ensuring that every student receives the best education possible, said ACS superintendent Dr. Bart Reeves. "While we recognize our unique challenges and language barriers, our commitment to their success stands firm. We want to provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive in our schools and our community."
State Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville) previously told 1819 News that the issues are not about migrants moving to town but rather how any influx of residents can impact schools and infrastructure.
"I don't care if these people were from Mississippi or Australia, Haiti, Egypt, or China; that doesn't matter," said Colvin. "It's the issues that impact the community that come along with it, and what I mean by that is our schools and our infrastructure."
Community members have also come forward to do their part in assisting migrants. However, Colvin said at the state level, leaders can not turn a blind eye to the real issues.
In East Alabama, Randolph County Schools Superintendent John Jacobs told 1819 News that students are enrolling from multiple countries, creating language barriers.
"The teachers have a very hard time in the classroom, you know, communication-wise," Jacobs said. "A lot of our teachers will label things in the classroom, especially in the elementary classrooms you know, 'desk' and 'chair.'"
The school system has purchased translation devices and employed two full-time EL teachers and one part-time.
"It's hard for the EL teachers to get around and see a kid every week or two weeks and help them with their work and there again even the EL teachers have a language barriers themselves because the EL teacher can teach a subject, but they still may not be able to talk to them in their native language," he added.
Additional resources have come from the system's general fund budget because state monies for special ed and EL are based on population. Still, Jacobs said there's never enough to cover what's needed.
"Alabama is one of the lowest property tax states in the nation and in Randolph County, we are at the very minimum that's required by law, which is 10 mills," he said. "COVID funds from the federal government have really saved us these last few years, but we're out of that. We have spent all our COVID money, so, we'll kind of go back to having to pinch pennies a lot more."
The Alabama State Department of Education has responded by providing regional specialists to provide support to districts. The state has also provided resources and professional development opportunities, including interpretation and translation services.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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