Big Demands from Wapato Parents

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Story Published: Oct 28, 2009 at 11:18 PM PDT

By Stacy Lilienthal

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Wapato- A number of Wapato parents say they're outraged at the school board and superintendent. At the Wednesday night meeting they brought a petition, state and legal representation to try to make changes.

"I have a petition," one parent said with an English interpreter by his side. On it; more than a hundred names that want a pretty strong request. "We want every school board member and superintendent to resign that doesn't agree with us," another parent said. The crowd of parents, and even some teachers, said the current board and superintendent aren't doing enough to provide more resources for English language learners. They also want certain classes taught in Spanish so their kids can learn more comprehensively. They say they're bringing in legal representation, and the state Commission of Hispanic Affairs.

The school board pointed out it doesn't have the budget to make changes since the school over spent thousands of dollars recently. That's the result of a drop in income. At times, there was yelling between the crowd and board. "Why can't we have a forum right now?" some shrieked. The board broke to executive session when the crowd wouldn't quiet.

I caught up with superintendent, Becky Imler after the meeting. While she didn't want to go on camera, she said she's not taking the public comments personal because the school has, "been doing wonderful things for students." She said there has been a substantial increase in all kids meeting federal standards in reading, and that over 90% of English language learners grades 3 to 5 at Camas and Satus elementary schools met benchmarks.

The crowd also has been asking for a public forum so they had more time to talk about these issues. No date has been set yet. The school board said parents need to set up a meeting with administrators before they get it on the agenda.

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