Freeport Schools invests $110K in Spanish and German classes

FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — Freeport School District 145 board members approved curriculum funding for new materials in the World Language Department on Tuesday.

Dr. Rocio del Castillo is the Assistant Superintendent of Language and Culture for the district. She said that over the years, the department has grown immensely.

“Two years ago, we were around 120 students,” she explained. “This year, we’re going to start with more like 500 students that are in the bilingual program, plus 300 students that are in the world language [program].”

Because of the growth, del Castillo said she wanted to make sure the students have access to quality education. She said her team approached board members with a request of $110,766.89 to be used for textbooks and other materials for German and Spanish classes.

“Most of our students are coming from Central America now,” del Castillo explained. “The way that our school community has received, welcomed, embraced and celebrated those students has been beyond our imagination.”

Antonio Ramirez is the Community Education and Outreach Coordinator for Alignment Rockford. He said learning a second language is beneficial to students for their future professional opportunities and overall development.

“I think school districts are smart in being able to invest in whatever type of curriculum to help because these are young people that are going to be the future of their community,” Ramirez said.

Del Castillo said 12 sections of languages will be offered for the 2025-2026 school year. She said she is excited for what’s to come for the students and the district.

“It is great,” she said. “I think it’s preparing our kids better and it’s serving all our students, and that’s the heart of the mission of our district.”