Parents voice concerns about proposed Spanish Immersion school change

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Thursday night a meeting was held for parents to learn more about a proposal to move the current Spanish Immersion program from Forest Hills Elementary School to Gregory School of Science, Math, and Technology. Spanish Immersion allows students to learn for the most part in Spanish.

Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley said Gregory has the classroom space because of its low enrollment and the infrastructure to handle the influx of the Spanish Immersion program students. He says Forest Hills is at capacity and there is a long waiting list for the program.

Christy Dukes, a Gregory parent, said she is concerned about diversity, children being left behind academically, and school being year around.

“I think it’s just a way quieting some of the questions, and it looks like you’re sweeping problems under the rug instead of basically trying to identify these problems, and fixing them,” Dukes said.

Markley said he wants to hear the feedback from parents, but they believe the move is the best solution.

“They are concerned, and we try to address those concerns as best we can, now is every plan going to satisfy every parent, no that’s not going to happen, but we tried to do this to affect the most good for most students,” Markley said.

Next Wednesday there will be another meeting  at Forest Hills Elementary at 6 p.m. Parents will be able to share their thoughts and ask questions.

The New Hanover County School Board is set to decide on the future of the program December 1.