This Elmhurst D-205 Program Going Largely Remote

ELMHURST, IL — Officials from Elmhurst School District 205 have repeatedly promised that schools would be in person for all classes this year. But that pledge apparently does not apply to middle school French.

In an emailed letter to middle school parents this week, the district said "significant" staffing changes had occurred in the last 48 hours. As a result, middle school French students would receive remote instruction most of the time, the district said. A teacher is assigned to travel between Bryan, Churchville and Sandburg middle schools to provide in-person instruction every three weeks.

In late April, the district originally announced the remote plan for middle school French classes. After receiving criticism, the district changed course and said it found the personnel to handle the classes.

Under the latest plan, when the teacher is off site, students will join the class via Zoom from the school with a designated supervisor present to provide support, according to the letter. The district termed this a "temporary solution until additional hiring can occur."

"As of today, all students at Churchville and Sandburg middle schools will attend French classes in the Learning Lab until the updated schedule begins the week of September 6, 2021," the letter said.

At least one middle school parent expressed frustration with the latest news.

"On the eve of the first day of middle school, I receive this email," parent Kate Feutz said in an email to Patch. "French has been moved back to remote. I am extremely disappointed with the deceitful timing of this information. The board promised in-person learning for ALL students this year."

In an email to Patch, district spokeswoman Beverly Redmond said the district confirmed in May that it would have in-person learning for students in middle school French.

"Those plans were solidly in place until several staffing changes occurred within the last 48 hours, leaving significant vacancies in the Middle School French Program," Redmond said. "District 205 remains committed to providing a high-quality instructional experience for all students enrolled in World Language."

She said the district is looking for French teachers.

When the board announced the French classes would be remote in April, it apparently kept the school board out of the loop. At the time, board member Jim Collins told Patch he found out about it from a parent.

Patch left a text message with Collins on Thursday morning to determine whether the administration informed the board this time. Redmond responded a little while later.

"Mr. Collins also received your message earlier today and asked me to reach out to you to acknowledge receipt," she said in an email.