DESE Grant Enabling Salem Public Schools Multilingual Families Real-Time Interpretation
Lionbridge software connects ML families to interpreter in seconds
SALEM (Apr. 14, 2025) – The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Grant 0348, named the Multilingual Newcomer and Homeless Support Grant, is having an immediate impact at Salem Public Schools.
While part of the grant was used to fund twice-weekly English learning classes for newly-arrived multilingual learner families, the grant also enabled the purchase of iPads and video remote interpretation software from Lionbridge. Each of the 11 Salem schools main offices have the capability to enable families, for whom English is a second language (ESL), to receive live translator services in real-time.
Among the languages for which translation services are available include Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Albanian, Russia as well as American Sign Language and more.
The iPads and video interpretation software were introduced during parent-teacher conferences the week of Mar. 19. Each school received one iPad, with two allocated to the high school.
Within a few seconds, families are connected to an interpreter through Lionbridge software. The grant has already proven its worth, said Alexandra Fortich, Coordinator of Translation and Interpretation Services.
“It has already proven to be incredibly helpful,” Ms. Fortich said. “Facilitators noted that the video remote interpretation services were especially useful in situations where interpreters were needed in multiple rooms at the same time.
“This technology has significantly improved our ability to communicate with families, offering timely and equitable language access across our schools,” she added.
In addition to the recent parent-teacher conferences, the software has been particularly helpful in Salem Public Schools’ Parent Information Center, the District’s registration hub where ESL and immigrant families can register their children seamlessly.
Grant 0348 aligns with the District’s 2023-26 Strategic Plan, particularly with the core principle of centering belonging, and accommodating the needs of new families to make them feel welcome.
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are all passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens we view all of our work through. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff serve all of our students, regardless of ability or language. Salem Public Schools enrolls approximately 4,000 students across its eleven schools.
