Posted: 1/8/03

Spanish program falls victim to budget woes

Cliff Buchan
News Editor

A Spanish Immersion program for elementary students in ISD 831 wonít take place this fall, the school board ruled on Monday.

In a 7-0 vote, the school board put on hold a request by parents to implement the program this fall and consider the matter in the 2004 funding cycle as part of the districtís planning process.

While budget uncertainties were a key part of the decision, public pressure to not approve the program was also clearly on the minds of board members.

The decision came with the backing of Superintendent Lynn Steenblock who said budget uncertainties made the timing wrong for the creation of a new program. His formal recommendation was to hold on the program this year to give the district more time to work out financial questions.

For the past two years, parents in the district have quietly lobbied for the start of an elementary Spanish Immersion program. Program proponents had sought the start of the program this fall for 100 students in kindergarten and Grade 1.

A district task force made up of parents, teachers and administrators began a study of the concept last April and reported to the board in the fall.

Funds in question

A key component in the plan to implement the program was an expected revenue gain for the district from open enrollment students who would opt for the chance to take a second language immersion program at the elementary level. As many as 40 open enrollment slots would be left open to help generate revenue to support the new program.

But even with the open enrollment possibility enticing, Steenblock said financial uncertainties at the state level made going ahead now difficult.

ìIt does look bleak,î the superintendent said, looking at the stateís forecasted $4.5 billion budget shortfall and a possible negative impact on state funding to schools. With the legislature now in session, Steenblock said he has been ìponderingî what impact the legislature may have on local school funding.

Steenblock said Forest Lake was ìdigging outî of its own statutory debt status and has a solid plan in place to continue to emerge from debt. But with the legislature facing a long session that may continue into the summer, he said there was no way of predicting what may happen with state aid.

With the district facing the reality of no new state funding or possible revenue cuts, it is difficult to put new programs in place, he said.

Steenblock said he received a flood of calls, e-mails and phone messages on the topic. While 75 percent favored the program, many said now may not be the right time to start a new program, he reported.

The superintendent said he understood the strong desires of the many parents who worked for the program. With more time to work on financing, he gave hope that the program could be approved in 2004.

ìThese parents have to choose what is best for their children,î Steenblock said.

Steenblock thanked the parents and task force members for their labors. He again endorsed this non-traditional teaching format as a solid way to educate children.

ìItís something we should be looking at,î Steenblock said. He said the bottom line is finding programs that work well for kids.

ìWe all want what is best for our children,î he said.

Board agrees

The seven-member school board agreed with the recommendation. Financing questions and public comments weighed heavily in the decision.

Members Dean Barr and Joe Grafft, two strong proponents of the program, made the respective motion and second to hold on Spanish Immersion this year and look at the program in the next budget cycle.

Both said financial uncertainties were major factors in their decision.

Member Karen Morehead applauded the superintendent for taking public sentiment into account for his decision and said public opinion was a major factor in her decision.

ìI have to listen to community,î Morehead said. Morehead said she believes the community is ìnot readyî for the concept at a time when the district has other issues to resolve.

Members Rebecca Otto and Susan Novak said they favored the Spanish Immersion concept but understood the financial factors. Both urged the public to continue to support the district.

ìWe need the community with us,î Otto said.

Novak said she believed the revenue factors would have been resolved by strong interest in the program, but also understood there could be no ìguaranteesî on the financial end.

ìI hope you stick with us,î Novak said to the Spanish Immersion proponents.

Member Jody Krebs said she had long range questions about costs for the program when students are in grades six and seven.

Board President Bill Bresin said it was tough for parents to hear that the board could not move forward at this time.

Bresin said he was surprised by the strong feelings expressed by the public over Spanish Immersion. ìI didnít think that was out there,î he said.

Top of Page