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Long-running French program to be phased out; teacher, alumni and families express regret
Summary
The board reviewed a superintendent recommendation to phase out the district’s French program after decades of programming and international trips, prompting testimony from veteran teacher Jeff Brown and alumni advocates.
The board discussed a superintendent recommendation to remove French from the district curriculum after more than two decades of sustained programming.
Historical overview and testimony Jeff Brown, a veteran French teacher, and others described the program’s long history, citing year-to-year programs, student travel, exchanges and the Seal of Biliteracy successes. Brown told the board the program’s enrollment typically ran at roughly one-third of Spanish enrollment and that many alumni had traveled to Quebec and France through school-sponsored trips.
Why administrators recommended the change Administrators said the change is prompted by impending retirements and the district’s difficulty recruiting qualified replacements. Heath and others noted many districts in the region continue to offer world language programs but that teacher candidate availability for French was particularly limited.
Board process and numbers Board members asked for enrollment projections and the administration provided tentative counts for next year’s sequence: approximately 55 students projected in the current seventh-grade cohort who would become eighth-grade French students, with about 24 in French II and 33 in French III (as presented by administration). The board discussed a resolution to base inclusion of French in the curriculum on the administration’s recommendation; trustees expressed sadness and appreciation for program leaders’ long service.
Next steps The board took public testimony and debated the recommendation. At the meeting’s close, trustees discussed timing for any resolution and how to communicate with families. Administrators and speakers emphasized the district would attempt to accommodate current students who wish to complete the sequence if feasible.
