Springfield Ohio Not Alone, More Towns Speak Up About Migrant Invasion

As the migrant crisis hits small towns, Charleroi, Pennsylvania faces a surge in immigrant students, overwhelming its schools and straining resources. With a 2,000% increase in the immigrant population and growing financial demands, the district is calling for state help to support its new, diverse student body.

As the migrant crisis unfolds across the United States, small towns and school districts are feeling the strain. Charleroi, Pennsylvania, is no exception. Once a quiet community, Charleroi is now at the forefront of a growing influx of immigrant students, a challenge that is reshaping its educational landscape.

In the past two years, Charleroi School District has seen its immigrant student population soar by over 2,000%. The district, which includes Laurel Highlands, Ringgold, and Charleroi, has been inundated with new arrivals, with Charleroi alone welcoming 172 students from various countries. The majority are from Haiti, having relocated with their families to work in local manufacturing plants.

The sudden increase has placed immense pressure on the district’s resources. "It's a big challenge that we just couldn't have seen coming," said Amy Nelson, a student support specialist at Charleroi. The children, many of whom have endured perilous journeys to reach the U.S., face significant obstacles, including language barriers and a lack of familiarity with American culture and educational norms.

At Charleroi Elementary School, students are grappling with these challenges daily. ELL (English Language Learner) Coordinator Mark Killinger notes that some students have never been in a formal school setting before. "Even though they had schooling offered to them, they didn't always participate," he explained.

The district has been proactive in addressing these issues, hiring additional ELL teachers, an ELL coach, and an interpreter, a move that has cost over $400,000. Despite these efforts, the district anticipates needing an additional $300,000 for the next school year to continue supporting its growing ELL population. With tax increases off the table, Charleroi is turning to the state for assistance.

"We need funding to be able to hire the people that we need," Nelson said. "We have to make sure those kids are being educated like all of our kids. But we do need help."

The district has engaged with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, but securing adequate financial support remains a challenge. Superintendent and staff are determined to make it work, despite the financial hurdles. "We're making it work because we have to make it work," Nelson affirmed.

In a heartfelt plea, the superintendent has composed a letter to local and state officials, urging them to provide the necessary funds to support the district’s evolving needs. Despite the struggles, Charleroi embraces the diversity that these new students bring, seeing it as an opportunity to enrich the community.

As the migrant crisis continues to affect communities nationwide, Charleroi stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of school districts working tirelessly to adapt and support their changing populations.