School board seeks parents' input

A public hearing has been set for parents to voice their opinions on proposed elementary curriculum guidelines.

The hearing will be Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Greenbrier High School auditorium.

The Columbia County Board of Education tentatively approved the guidelines, but delayed a final vote because of public outcry.

The new guidelines threaten to cut three teaching positions, primarily at the smaller elementary schools. At an informal meeting by Board Member Lee Muns, more than 60 parents showed up to voice their concerns.

The county's Elementary Comprehensive Curriculum Review Committee has proposed elementary curriculum guidelines which increase the amount of time pupils spend studying core subjects such as English, math, science and social studies, and standardize the time of enrichment classes such as physical education, music and art.

Another element is a funding formula for allocating enrichment teachers - about one for every eight classes. Strictly following this formula would cut three enrichment positions from the school system.

The issue was first publicized because the committee guidelines threatened Spanish programs at Stevens Creek and South Columbia elementary schools.