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Schools

Darien Adds Spanish to Elementary School Curriculum

In a 6-1 vote, the Darien Board of Education approved the $344,000 program, which includes one class per week of Spanish instruction, with some Spanish integrated into other classes during the week.

The Board of Education paved the way for Darien elementary school students to begin learning Spanish next academic year, by approving administrators’ proposal by a 6-1 vote.

The implementation of Spanish classes will add $344,000 to the operating budget. It includes hiring five teachers at $64,000 apiece, buying supplies at $23,000 and developing curriculum at $1,250. As part of the curriculum, students would also learn Spanish words in music, art, and physical education. Each class of elementary school students would receive 45 minutes of Spanish instruction per week.

Board member Clara Sartori supported adding the curriculum into the elementary schools. Nonetheless, she advocated for a gradual implementation.

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“I think it is time to begin this program but to begin slowly,” she said.

Board member Amy Bell opposed implementing Spanish classes into the elementary schools at this time. She cited concerns about the district facing a possible deficit in its operating budget this school year, and a desire to hear the rest of the administration’s proposals for next school year before deciding on this proposal.

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“Normally, we would do both – vote on the concept of a new program as well as the funding – during the budget process,” Bell said. “I worry that this separate vote that we are taking tonight will create an expectation in the community – an expectation that may not be fulfilled – because we don’t know what else is being proposed in the budget in January, and because we are faced with the challenge of a projected operating deficit in this current budget year – with possible spending freezes as discussed earlier tonight.”   

In addition, Bell raised concerns about students losing time in the library, as a result of adding Spanish classes. She also disagreed with spending $344,000 to provide only 45 minutes of Spanish instruction per week to elementary school students. Lastly, Bell considers Darien residents divided on the specific proposal as it was brought forward on Tuesday.

Superintendent of Schools Stephen Falcone reiterated his recommendation that adding Spanish classes will yield dividends.   

“We feel language should be a part of curriculum at our elementary schools,” Falcone said “… We want to provide the students with a critical opportunity, and we laid out our goals.”

“We want this to be not part of an isolated program, but how a school culture operates,” Falcone said. “It is the administration’s recommendation that the board develop this program.”

The other board members who supported adding Spanish classes in the elementary schools were Michael Harman, Elizabeth Hagerty-Ross, Heather Shea, James Plutte, and Susan Perticone.

Board members Morgan Whittier and George Reilly did not attend the meeting.

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