San Diego Unified has invested in expanding dual-language education because these programs prepare students to become bilingual, biliterate, and culturally competent. Yet the district continues to staff dual-strand schools using formulas that do not reflect how these programs actually operate.

Unlike traditional schools, dual-strand schools run two parallel instructional pathways that cannot simply be combined to balance enrollment. Differences in enrollment between language strands often leave principals with impossible staffing decisions, resulting in avoidable combination classes, larger class sizes, or reduced instructional support.

This is not an issue at one school; it affects dual-strand programs across the district year after year.

We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for equity. A staffing formula should reflect the unique structure of dual-strand schools so they can provide the high-quality education San Diego Unified promises families.

Research consistently shows that dual-language education improves academic achievement, strengthens cognitive development, and prepares students to succeed in an increasingly diverse and multilingual world. These programs deserve staffing policies that support their success.

We call on the San Diego Unified School District to establish a districtwide working group, including principals, educators, families, and district leaders, to develop and adopt a dedicated staffing formula for dual-strand schools before the next staffing cycle. The new formula should account for the realities of dual-language programs and ensure staffing decisions are equitable, transparent, and sustainable.

If San Diego Unified is committed to growing dual-language education, it must also commit to staffing these schools appropriately.

Sign this petition to support an equitable staffing formula for every dual-strand school in San Diego Unified.