Updated 10.10.12 @ 1:55pm
A parent group is mobilizing to stall a vote by the school committee regarding Superintendent Gormley’s recommendation to cap the French Immersion program. The vote is expected at the next meeting of the school committee on Wednesday, October 17th. The parents forming in opposition to the vote believe it is being made hastily and without an opportunity for the community at large to review the plan and comment on it. The plan was presented at the last school committee meeting.
The School Committee initially received the recommendation at the end of July. It came in response to the disparity in enrollments between the French and English programs in 2012 school year. The plan calls for capping the French enrollment and having 2 English classes in each of the 4 elementary schools. You can find the presentation here.
The parents have created a Facebook page, A Better Plan for All, which you can find here. The school committee has scheduled a meeting for 10/16/12 @ 7:30PM to listen to parents concerns.
On her web site Superintendent Gormley states:
The Milton School Committee, in response to public requests, will hold an additional meeting on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 7:30pm in the Milton High School Library to allow public comment on this important subject.
She also writes:
It is apparent that some clarification is needed on certain aspects in order to ensure that everyone understands the essential facts regarding the “Lottery/Cap” proposal for grade one French Immersion in the Milton Public Schools. In this communication I have consolidated all the relevant information into one document so that everyone can have the most updated and accurate details.
Ms. Gormley has included links to all appropriate materials. You can find the complete text of her note here.