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Parent urges board to retain Spanish-speaking counselor Marlene Vargas for ninth- and tenth-graders
Summary
During public comment a parent (with translation) asked trustees to keep Marlene Vargas at the Olapane campus to support Spanish-speaking ninth- and tenth-graders, saying Vargas provides academic and emotional assistance to newcomers and long-term English learners.
A parent speaking during public comment told the Warren Township High School District 121 board that a student relies heavily on Spanish-speaking counselor Marlene Vargas and urged trustees to keep her assigned at the Olapane campus for ninth- and tenth-grade students.
The parent, speaking through an on-the-record translation, described Vargas as "a key component" of the students academic and emotional support and said Vargas has helped students both inside and outside school. The parent said losing Vargas would be a "huge disadvantage" for students who are still learning English.
Board members allowed extended time for translation and thanked the speaker for advocating. The presiding board member reminded trustees that the board does not typically respond directly to public comments about individual student situations during the meeting but encouraged ongoing advocacy and said the board would discuss visitor-comment items for any direction or follow-up.
The comment came immediately before action and consent items on the agenda; no personnel action was taken during public comment.
