Parents press board after ASL classes are paused; district cites teacher shortages and outlines paths for affected students

Several parents and community members used the public-comment period to raise concerns about the district's decision to pause American Sign Language (ASL) course offerings after a teacher resignation and to ask what options exist for students mid-pathway.

A parent said their child had been told ASL courses would no longer be offered and worried that students in levels 2 and 3 could not complete the pathway needed for advanced diploma designations. "My son is a ninth grader, started the course this year, would like to finish it," one speaker said, asking where the student should go to complete the sequence.

Administrators responded that the district had seen declining enrollment in ASL sections, that certified ASL teachers are difficult to recruit regionally, and that the district posted the vacancy but received little interest. The administration said a retiree and other temporary coverage were arranged to help current students, and noted that students in levels 2 and 3 would be prepared to sit for the Checkpoint B exam this year so they can maintain progress toward diploma requirements. For ninth graders in level 1 the district said students would have multi-year opportunities to complete a different language pathway (for example Spanish or French) if needed.

Staff acknowledged the decision was difficult and emphasized ongoing recruitment efforts, student-teacher outreach, and creative approaches to staffing hard-to-fill certifications on the East End. Board members asked administration to continue active recruitment and to report back on staffing and course options.