Agenda Item
b. Translation and Interpretation Services (combined total not to exceed $1,200,000)
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of professional translation and interpretation services from the following vendors in excess of $100,000.00 with a combined total not to exceed $1,200,000 for the following vendors:
Alta Language Services
Language Line Services
Real Time Translation
SeSo, Inc.
Translation Station, Inc.
Zab Translation Solutions
Why: Due to combined spending from all schools and centers serving parents and students whose primary home language is other than English (PHLOTEs), the total cost of translation and interpretation services may exceed $100,000.00 from one or more of the service providers.
Details: The DeKalb County School District, as a local educational agency (LEA) receiving federal grants, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grants, has a legal obligation to maintain meaningful communication with parents and students who may not have English as their primary language. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and IDEA mandate that parental notices and communication must be in a language that the parents or guardians can understand. Services from approved agencies are included in the District’s agreement with the OCR to provide language support services to our linguistically diverse community. Additionally, interpretation services are required during Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.
The continuous increase in our linguistically diverse student and parent population has resulted in a higher demand for translation and interpretation services. Communication with the parents and guardians of these students is crucial for their academic performance. The DeKalb County School District currently serves over 26,144 students whose primary home language is other than English (PHLOTEs). The significant number of languages and dialects (172) spoken by our linguistically diverse community requires the use of several sources to ensure effective communication with all students and parents. Interpretation and translation services to communicate with students and parents are necessary to ensure equity and access to all our services and programs.
According to DJE III(B)(4), multiple vendors are used based on professional ability to provide translation/interpretation services in the requested languages district-wide for all schools.
Financial impact: The financial impact to the general funds for school year 2023-2024 will not exceed the amount of $1,200,000.00.
Department of English Learners Charge Code:
100.2100 530000.07711.7130.9990.6015.035.0000 ($750,000.00)
Department of Exceptional Education Charge Code: 100.1000.530000.00011.7340.2021.8010.035.0000($400,000.00)
100.1000.530000.22711.7320.9990.8010.035.0000($50,000.00)
Contact: Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731
Mrs. Michele Summerlin, Executive Director, Exceptional Education, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.2163
Dr. Evelyn G. Hall, Director, English Learners Program/Title III and DeKalb International Screening Center, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.6602
Effective: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
Status: Reviewed by General Counsel
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