Japanese teacher urges board to approve UW dual‑credit partnership so students can earn college credit next year

Esaka Grama, the district’s Japanese teacher, told the board that the University of Washington is prepared to offer five UW college credits to third‑year Japanese students and that the state will cover the $2,234 tuition per student. "Once Pasco School District approves this partnership, it will take 1 year to implement the program," Grama said. She warned that a delay would cause current juniors and sophomores to lose the opportunity: "If the decision is delayed, our current juniors will permanently lose this opportunity... For me, this is my 28th year of teaching, and I will continue to serve for many more, but my students have only a short time left."

Why the board matters: Grama said all that remains for implementation is district approval; she provided projected enrollment counts at the three high schools (excluding seniors) for the next year. The board did not take an immediate vote during this meeting — Grama asked trustees for a yes "tonight," but the meeting moved to other agenda items.

Next steps: The district will need to place the partnership on an administrative or consent agenda for approval and coordinate with UW and counselors to implement course registration and transcript credit. Grama requested the partnership be approved promptly so students currently in 10th and 11th grades can access the credit pathway.

Sources: Public comment by Esaka Grama during audience comments.