Fate of Dual Language Program Tabled Until May 10

The USD 480 Board of Education met Monday night for a regularly scheduled meeting at the Education Service Center.

There was a packed house of families with students who are in the dual language program. Several made comments from the floor in support of the program. When it was time to vote on the rather or not to keep the program board member Stacy Johnson made a motion to table the item until the next meeting scheduled for May 10 so the board would have a better understanding on how much the district’s budget will be cut since the Kansas state legislature is going back into session this week. Director of Federal Programs Laura Cano said waiting wouldn’t be a problem and that hopefully somehow the cuts won’t be as bad and that maybe there could be a chance at having the money at keeping the program. The board voted 7-0 to table the decision on the dual language program.

Action items approved were the implementation of the Kansas Reading Assessment at Liberal High School; curriculum approval for ESL grades 7-12; certified retirements/resignations; re-employment of certified staff for 2010-11; re-employment of Administrators for the 2010-11 school year; non-renewal of three certified employees, and the intent to rehire classified employees for the 2010-11 school year.

The board also approved consent agenda which includes an overnight trip and a surplus on library books.

All votes were 7-0 except on the non-renewal of three certified employees in which Cheryl Louderback abstained.