French to Remain on 109 Offerings

Outgoing District 109 Superintendent Dr. Renee Goier announced at Monday night’s board meeting that French will continue to be offered. The district is now in the process of evaluating candidates to come in for a part-time position for one class each at Caruso and Shepard Middle Schools.

This marked a turnaround in the thinking at District 109. 

In April, Goier said the district would focus its foreign language curriculum on Spanish with teachers concerned about their individual workloads.

Despite the District reporting declining interest in French, a backlash soon took place. Many parents came forward stating they do not want to see the teaching of French disappear for sixth graders at the Caruso and Shepard. Some wanted the option of having another language available for their students, others just wanted to see their students exposed to French language and culture. Eventually they were able to convince Goier and the board to reverse the decision.

 “This is all part of the educational process,” said District 109 spokeswoman Cathy Kedjidjian. “This is one example of how the district values the input of parents and interested community members.”

One advocate of French teaching was Ken Shore who praised Goier at Monday’s meeting for listening to the community. Goier reciprocated by thanking him and other parents for locating quality candidates.

Enrollment in French currently stands as 12 students at Shepherd and 17 pupils at Caruso for the 2013-14 school year. Those are similar attendance figures as in past years. Meanwhile, classes will continue to be offered in seventh and grades as well.

However, the future for the teaching of French beyond next year becomes murky when the new superintendent, Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, comes in next month. He will be reviewing the middle school structure and offerings and could decide to go in a different direction regarding course offerings, not just in language, but all the courses offered by District 109.