Language Access Plan Summary
Ensuring Effective Communication with Multilingual Students and Families
Why This Plan Matters
Le Sueur-Henderson (LSH) Public Schools is committed to making sure every student and family—no matter what language they speak—can fully participate in our schools. This plan ensures compliance with federal and state laws and guarantees free interpretation and translation services for families.
Policy Foundations
Federal: Title VI (Civil Rights Act), Equal Educational Opportunity Act, IDEA.
State: Minnesota Statutes 123B.32 (2025), LEAPS Act (2014).
What Services Are Available?
Families can request free language assistance at any time, including interpretation (in-person, phone, video), translation of documents, simultaneous interpretation at events, and multilingual digital communication tools.
How We Identify Needs
We use registration data, language surveys, interpreter request logs, and partnerships with community organizations to identify and meet family needs.
Annual Timeline
Spring | Collect data & family feedback |
|---|---|
Summer | Analyze needs, revise the plan, allocate resources |
Fall | Train staff and share updated resources |
School Year | Provide services, monitor, and adjust |
Winter | Mid-year check-in and improvements |
Notifying Families
We communicate through a multilingual website, translated key documents, conference interpreters, digital alerts, and office signage that reminds families that interpretation is free.
Staff Training
Staff are trained each year on legal obligations, how to request services, culturally responsive communication, and emergency multilingual communication procedures.
Community Partnerships
We collaborate with local agencies, cultural groups, and nonprofits to host family advisory councils, multilingual nights, and listening sessions to strengthen community trust.
Emergency Communication
In a crisis, families receive alerts in multiple languages. Safety posters, handouts, and social media updates are translated so every family understands emergency protocols.
Key Contacts
Darren Kern – Elementary Principal: dkern@isd2397.org
Cynthia Schmidt – MS/HS Principal: cschmidt@isd2397.org
Katie Maier – Curriculum & Learning Director: kmaier@isd2397.org
Jim Wagner – Superintendent: jwagner@isd2397.org
Our Commitment
Language should never be a barrier to learning. LSH Public Schools is dedicated to ensuring every student and every family feels welcomed, informed, and included.