6) Was the community informed in advance?

Families did not receive formal notice until April 29 (see FAQ #1). While some parents became informally aware of the situation in March and early April, the principal maintained publicly that the decision was not finalized until late April. In contrast, during a May 14 conversation, Dr. Hong referred to it as an “internal” decision and explained that enrollment and staffing are typically finalized closer to late summer. Yet the tone of the email communication conveyed that the decision was already set, creating confusion and further contributing to a sense of mistrust.

7) Has this happened in other DLI programs?

Yes—see slide 9 linked here. However, we are aware of instances where split-grade classes were ultimately avoided at Monte Vista and other schools. The lack of transparency around long-term planning, forecasting, and what alternative solutions (if any) were considered to prevent a split-grade model remains a significant concern.

It’s worth noting that according to a May 14 conversation with Dr. Hong, the Japanese DLI program at Verdugo Woodlands previously involved significant community engagement because the decision had long-term implications for site planning—such as determining how many elementary, middle, and high schools would offer the program. That scenario went beyond the scope of a split-grade/ staffing decision.

8) What are parents asking for?

• Transparency around how the decision was made

• Data that informed the decision

• Equitable treatment across all DLI programs

• A fiscal commitment from the district to avoid split-grades in the future

• A plan to protect the integrity of the Korean DLI program

9) How has the Monte Vista DLI community responded thus far? 

The Monte Vista DLI community has taken a series of actions to raise awareness, demand transparency, and advocate for the program’s integrity:

• May 5 Meeting at Monte Vista

• 220 individuals attended the meeting 

• Also in attendance: 

• GUSD Senior Staff: Kristine Nam (Communications Director), Kristine Tonoli (Executive Director, Elementary Education), Dr. Kelly King 

• GUSD Board Members: Telly Tse, Ingrid Gunnell, Neda Farid

• Meeting slideshow available here.

• Email Campaign 

• E-mails sent to Superintendent Dr. Darneika Watson, the GUSD Board, Principal Babayan, and Dr. Nancy Hong demanding transparency and accountability

• Public Comments 

• Parents made public comments at the May 6 GUSD Board Meeting to voice concerns.

• Petition

• A petition opposing the split-grade model received over 600 signatures.

• May 16 Walk-In Protest

• More than 250 participants joined to demand transparency around the decision-making process.

• Protesters called on GUSD to release DLI and traditional enrollment/waitlist numbers; data on student transfers between Monte Vista and Mark Keppel; and comparative academic performance data for the past 3–5 years

• May 14 Call with Dr. Hong:

• In a 90-minute call, Dr. Hong clarified that she does not support multi-grade classes, acknowledged the split-grade was unexpected, and noted her limited role (program oversight only—not staffing or budgeting).

• Dr. Hong further explained:

• Staffing decisions shift based on enrollment and aren’t finalized until late summer.

• Preventing split classes requires a fiscal commitment from the district/board.

• The upcoming June 4 DLI meeting will cover the district-wide program (not specific to Monte Vista or multi-grade issues).

• Media and Social Media Outreach:

• The community engaged with media outlets, developed press materials, and organized awareness campaigns online. (See coverage here).

10) Can we fundraise to hire an additional teacher and avoid the split-grade model at Monte Vista for the 2025–2026 school year?

While it would cost approximately $135,000 to fund one teacher (see slide 12 here), that amount would only cover the 2025–2026 school year. Although fundraising might offer a temporary solution, it raises important equity concerns—some schools may have greater capacity to raise funds than others. This creates disparities across the district. Ultimately, we need a long-term commitment from the Board to fully fund staffing and prevent split-grade models in a sustainable and equitable way.

11) What can I do? 

Advocate for transparency, accountability, and strong support for the DLI program:

• Keep emailing Board Members and Principal Babayan and request one-on-one meetings if you feel compelled to do so.

• A DLI parent is scheduled to meet with Principal Babayan on May 22.

• Several parents have requested meetings with Board Members (awaiting confirmation).

• A few parents have also invited Board Members to visit classrooms, in coordination with DLI teachers (confirmation pending).

• A DLI Program Update will be presented at the June 4 GUSD Board Meeting. This presentation will provide a district-wide overview of all DLI programs—not specifically Monte Vista or the split-grade issue, however, parents will have the opportunity to speak during the public comment period.

• Parents will continue attending GUSD Board Meetings (the next one is June 10) to urge the Board to delay implementation of the split-grade model for the 2025–2026 school year until more data and stakeholder input can be fully reviewed.