Editorial: Language program needs more support

Friday, July 12, 2002 | 4:47 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION: July 14, 2002

A school district's first obligation is to its children. When one-third are Hispanic, and when almost nine out of every 10 of that group have little knowledge of English, it's obvious that a program called English Language Learner is critical. That's the view of Clark County School Superintendent Carlos Garcia and we share it. Language skill is the fundamental building block of success as students pass into the higher grades and then into life after high school.

Unfortunately, Garcia is facing difficulty as he tries to ensure that this program keeps pace. He has cut eight administrative positions at a time when the program needs more, not fewer, resources. If the district's funding does not improve, he will be forced to increase class sizes, an option that could reduce learning opportunities and have long-term consequences for thousands of young people.

As the 2003 Legislature considers proposals for increasing school funding, Garcia's request for an additional $77 million for his district's ELL programs should be near the top in priority.