Parent urges board to reverse end of German program; district cites certification shortfall

Jessica Antonik, a parent, told the Eden Board of Education during public comment that the district’s decision to cease the German language program was “an unnecessary choice” that removed options for students and “negatively impact[ed] 25% of every grade that was enrolled in that program.”

Antonik urged the board to exercise its authority under New York State education law to scrutinize hiring recommendations and to seek alternatives that would preserve language options. “You have the authority to oppose, reject, or refuse to hire a candidate recommended by the superintendent,” she said, and asked trustees to “have a discussion” before allowing the program to be discontinued.

In response, the superintendent told the board that hiring decisions followed the district’s vetting process and that “nobody with German certification or interest in German certification made it to me as a finalist.” He said the district had considered candidates and alternatives but concluded the most viable long-term staffing plan was to hire in French, citing certification availability and program sustainability. He added the district will provide “one section of German to get them to that 3rd level” so students already in the sequence can progress.

Board members and staff described lengthy internal discussions and a range of possible options that were evaluated, including searching for certified German teachers and exploring Spanish candidates; trustees said the final decision balanced program value and fiscal stewardship. The board did not adopt a motion to reinstate the program at this meeting; members suggested continued communication with families and noted limits on public discussion of personnel matters.

Next steps: board members said they will maintain communication with families, consider whether a workshop or more public explanation is appropriate, and monitor staffing options ahead of the 2026–27 school year.