Update: LSC to continue Chinese program in 23-24 school year, Teacher files resignation
LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Lafayette School Corp. sent out a letter earlier this week notifying families that the district will reinstate the Chinese programs at Edgelea Elementary School and Sunnyside Intermediate Schools for the 2023-2024 school year.
At May’s LSC board meeting, a parent shared his concerns and made allegations that the teacher of the Chinese program had been involved with inappropriate conduct such as bullying, showcasing unwarranted favoritism and blowing kisses to students.
At that meeting, the LSC confirmed that it had suspended the program for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year as it allowed third parties, such as the Indiana Department of Child Services and local law enforcement, to investigate the situation.
The Journal & Courier reached out to the Lafayette school district to ask questions regarding the result of the investigation.
"The LSC received some concerns from several parents regarding the Chinese Program at Edgelea," Lafayette Superintendent Les Huddle said. "Because of the nature of the concerns, the appropriate authorities were notified which included the Department of Child Services and law enforcement. Upon the conclusion of all the authorities' investigations, they found no wrongdoing.
"The teacher who taught last year was scheduled to resume the same teach (sic) assignment for the 2023-2024 school year. However, the Lafayette School Corporation just received the teacher’s resignation from LSC. The Lafayette School Corporation’s administration has already begun discussion on the future of the elementary Chinese program due to the teacher’s resignation. The LSC will be back in communications with parents regarding a decision on the continuation of the Chines program in the near future."
The teacher's resignation will not end the program.
“After carefully reviewing the concerns raised regarding the Chinese program at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, the Lafayette School Corporation understands and appreciates that parents may have reservations about their children’s ongoing participation in the program during the 2023-2024 school year,” the school district's July 18 letter reads.
The letter goes on to say that parents can opt out of the Chinese program and instead have students do activities with their homeroom teachers.
If a parent decides they want to opt their children out of the Chinese program, they should request a specific form from the school’s principal.
“We understand this news may be disappointing, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We hope you will support our decision and understand it was made with the best interests of our students and staff in mind,” reads the letter.
Noe Padilla is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email him at Npadilla@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter at 1NoePadilla
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: LSC will continue Chinese program in 23-24 school year
