By Andrea Pettes
 
November 2, 2009
 
PHOENIX, Ore. - The growing number of Hispanic and Latino families in Southern Oregon means school districts means a growing need for bilingual teachers.
 
The Phoenix-Talent School District employs bilingual teachers, family liaisons and even interpreters to help out.
 
Offering these services isn't cheap.
 
"There's funding that comes through. State funding that comes from the government. The school district gets one-and-a-half times more for a student enrolled in ELL services," Title III Coordinator Javier Del Rio said.
 
Del Rio says it also receives special Title III funding, but says it's not always enough.
 
The Medford School District says it is seeing more Hispanic students, but fewer that need the language lessons.
 
Some school districts are also starting to offer English classes to parents, as well as classes to help with their student's studies.