Enrollment in Newark’s school district has decreased by approximately 500 students compared to the previous academic year, with the most notable decline occurring among bilingual students. This information was revealed in a recent report by the Board of Education, raising questions about the reasons behind the shift.
During a finance committee meeting on December 18, 2024, School Business Administrator Dr. Jose Fuentes confirmed that the district’s application for state school aid for the 2025-26 school year was submitted on schedule. The enrollment figures are particularly significant as they impact the funding the district receives for specialized bilingual education programs.
Trends in Bilingual Enrollment Raise Questions
Dr. Fuentes’ report indicated that the decline in enrollment is particularly pronounced among bilingual students. School leadership has not yet determined whether this trend results from students leaving the district or transitioning from the English Language Learners (ELL) program into general education. The report noted that while this trend is under observation, it does not currently necessitate the elimination of classes or programs.
“While this trend is being monitored and incorporated into long-term planning, it does not currently require the elimination of classes or programs, and the district maintains capacity to support bilingual services,” the finance committee report stated.
Earlier in the year, district officials highlighted that multilingualism in Newark schools is “skyrocketing.” According to Chalkbeat Newark, ELL students were expected to constitute more than a quarter of Newark’s Public School enrollment this academic year. To further address this growing need, a new bilingual program was announced in the South Ward in February 2024.
Understanding the Shift in Student Demographics
During a Board of Education meeting on December 23, 2024, Superintendent Roger León discussed the categories of students exiting the bilingual program. He noted they can generally be divided into two groups: those moving out of the district and those transitioning into the general education program. León emphasized that progressing to general education is a logical step for many students, as the bilingual program is not intended to be their entire educational journey in Newark.
“We know that there are bilingual students across our Spanish population, our Portuguese population and our French-Creole population that are extremely bright and brilliant, because we know that when they come into the general education program they outperform the state’s average,” León stated.
Currently, Newark schools serve over 12,000 bilingual students. However, León did not specify how many ELL students have left the district compared to those who have transitioned out of the bilingual program.
Board member David Daughety suggested the finance committee report should be amended to clarify the distinction between students moving out of the district and those shifting to general education. “I need to look at that data to really know what’s what,” León responded. “I have an idea of what the number is, but I just need to fact-check, and then we’ll either correct it or let you all know in committee what the real answer is.”
As of now, district officials have not provided updates on the specific changes in ELL student enrollment versus bilingual program numbers. They have also not clarified how this demographic shift will affect the district’s state aid application.
