No Spanish For A While In Elmhurst Grade Schools: Officials

ELMHURST, IL — Don't expect to see Spanish instruction return to Elmhurst's elementary schools anytime soon. One official said the school district understands that it is disappointing for families.

Late last month, Elmhurst School District 205 announced to families that it was suspending Spanish classes for the time being. The superintendent has the power to take such actions during the pandemic. On Tuesday, the school board unanimously ratified his decision.

In his explanation to the board, Superintendent Dave Moyer said it was a daily challenge to fill classrooms and continue programming.

Even before the decision was made, Spanish teachers were being assigned to cover vacancies, so little Spanish instruction was taking place, he said.

The district, Moyer said, had about 20 substitute teachers on its roster, far lower than the usual 200. Part of the reason for that is many substitutes are older and do not want to work in a school during the pandemic, he said.

The shortage is so severe that principals are being pulled "pretty regularly" to cover classrooms, Moyer said.

Board member Margaret Harrell asked Moyer how this would affect students in their education the following school year.

Moyer responded that it was difficult to predict, given the unknowns.

"If you go back and look at the middle school model where we require all middle school students to take a language, elementary Spanish hasn't had any impact on language achievement per se or the ability for kids to get in the language track they want," he said.

Member Courtenae Trautmann asked whether the district has launched an aggressive recruiting effort.

Officials said they were, but often no one was applying for vacant positions.

"This is a national issue," said Luke Pavone, assistant superintendent for human resources. "People don't want to sub during COVID. This is affecting almost all school districts in all 50 states."

Board President Kara Caforio said the board has received messages from parents about the suspension of elementary Spanish.

"If your children are in elementary, this opportunity is on hold," she said. "I just think it's important to acknowledge that it's disappointing."

The board then voted to approve the suspension.

"Notice in the recommendation that it authorizes me to continue to allow this after the holidays if we're still in the same situation," Moyer said. "Truthfully, I anticipate we will be."

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