Lucy Navarro translates budget information for Gilroy Unified

GILROY
– In the face of an ever-shrinking and already-tight state
budget, Gilroy Unified School District is using federal funds to
improve communication with its Spanish speaking parents.
GILROY – In the face of an ever-shrinking and already-tight state budget, Gilroy Unified School District is using federal funds to improve communication with its Spanish speaking parents.

Last month, GUSD expanded the role of its two English-to-Spanish translators, turning what was predominantly a written and school-site service into a district-wide means of oral communication.

From school board meetings to sessions of the Superintendents’ Parent Advisory Council, Spanish speaking parents can wear headsets and hear real-time translation of what is being said. The service also makes it possible for Spanish speakers to give their input in their native tongue and have it translated into English.

After just one month of implementation, the service is being noticed and appreciated by district staff and parents.

“To have Spanish speakers at the meetings and to get to hear what they’re thinking is real beneficial. I think it’s about time,” district parent Jodi Boyd said. “Most documents that get sent home are in Spanish and English, but when you are at a meeting you’ll always get more information.”

Over a year’s time, GUSD will spend roughly $45,000 on the expanded translation program. And in these tight budget times, Superintendent Edwin Diaz has said all district programs are vulnerable to cuts, including the popular translation service.

Because the translation program receives federal funds which are increase next year, it is likely to be protected from cuts , GUSD administrators say.

“This is a priority,” said Martha Martinez, the GUSD’s administrator of English Language Learner programs. “It’s in line with the district’s goals to improve communication with parents and the community.”

Engaging both the English- and non-English-speaking community is one of four priorities the school board established in these times of district-wide reform. There are roughly 3,000 English Language Learners in the district, making up 31 percent of the total GUSD student enrollment.

“If the translation service ever got cut it’d be a real loss to the district. I hope that doesn’t happen,” Boyd said.

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