Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board told Marion will phase out German class and end international travel after next year’s trips
Summary
District leadership said German 7 will not be offered in 2026–27 and that the district plans to end international travel after next year because of liability and staffing issues; board members urged alternative domestic cultural experiences.
Marion Central School District leadership told trustees they plan to phase out German classes and discontinue international travel after next year’s scheduled trips.
Dr. L said German 7 will not be offered in the 2026–27 school year and explained the district has struggled to find certified German teachers: "I don't think that we'll be able to find another certified German teacher to be honest," she said, noting regional hiring searches for German candidates have produced few applicants.
On travel, Dr. L said the district renewed insurance that includes coverage elements tied to international travel and that private insurers have advised caution. She described the liability and cost implications: "...we just renewed our insurance policies to cover international travel and one of the things you have to pay for is kidnapping insurance," she said, as part of the explanation for phasing out overseas trips. Board members suggested domestic alternatives — weekend language immersion events or travel clubs — to preserve cultural and language experiences for students.
Administrators framed the phase-out as an operational response to staffing and liability realities; board members emphasized the value students receive from travel and asked staff to explore creative domestic options and potential adult support models if limited international travel were considered in the future.
