A welcome check

There seems to be some confusion about how a federal grant of $50,000 came through the Georgia Department of Education and to the Spanish program at South Columbia Elementary School.

One thing is clear: The money is welcome.

When State School Superintendent Linda Schrenko visited Stevens Creek Elementary in December to support the elementary foreign language program, she brought a $50,000 check.

The gift, while appreciated, left open the question: Why didnt South Columbias similar program get a check, too?

Schrenkos staff says South Columbia didnt want the money; Columbia County Superintendent Tommy Price says he never knew the money was available, and wouldnt have turned it down.

In either event, Schrenkos office sent a second check, and South Columbias students will get Spanish another year.

Thats fair. It still doesnt address the the possibility of funding foreign language in all elementary schools - at least at those in which such studies would be welcome. But the money squares the countys two state-approved elementary foreign language programs, no matter who got it first.

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