Greater Latrobe School Board this week finalized a $57.7 million budget and 1-mill tax hike for 2021-22.

It also heard continued concerns about a planned shift to online instruction for French and German language classes beginning in 2022-23.

The tax increase, to 85 mills, would add $27 to the average homeowner’s annual tax bill, according to district officials. The millage hike is meant to cover a projected revenue shortfall of $345,000.

The board also approved a homestead/farmstead exclusion for eligible properties, in accordance with the Taxpayer Relief Act of 2006. Such a property can have $1,121 excluded from its assessed value, translating to a $95.29 reduction in the owner’s tax bill, but the exclusion can’t exceed the property’s total assessed value.

French instructor Jan Stewart, retired world language department chair at Hempfield Area School District and an adjunct professor at Seton Hill University, addressed the school board this week in support of many urging the district to reconsider phasing out in-person French and German instruction at its high school campus.

Greater Latrobe administrators said that plan is driven by a continuing decline in student demand for classes in those languages. In contrast, with student demand for Spanish instruction robust, the district is introducing an exploratory program in that language for grades K-6.

Assistant Superintendent Michael Porembka cited research indicating 86% of employers are interested in hiring those who can speak Spanish.

Stewart acknowledged the popularity of Spanish, but she argued it’s important to provide students access to other world languages, as well. “One size does not fit all,” she said. “They need a choice.”

Stewart, who also is past president of the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association, said 22% of more than 6,000 foreign-owned businesses in the state are from German-speaking countries and 28% are from French-speaking countries. Fewer than 1% are from Spanish-speaking countries, she said.

She said Greater Latrobe received a Silver Award through the PSMLA Exemplary Program because of the strength of its world language offerings. But the district would no longer qualify if it carries out the online plan for French and German, she said.

Superintendent Georgia Teppert noted Greater Latrobe employs two French teachers and two German teachers but fills half of their schedules with non-language classes because of low student enrollment. “That’s not fiscally responsible,” she said.

Porembka asked Stewart to reach out to the district teachers with advice for recruiting and retaining French and German students.

Teppert noted all students who are enrolled in the French or German programs, or will begin them in 2021-22, will be able to continue studies in those languages through their senior year. Starting in 2022-23, seventh graders will be limited to Spanish as a language option. When they reach ninth grade, if they want to pursue either of the other languages, they will have to do so online.

Teppert said district administrators are searching for alternatives that could allow students to continue choosing in-person French or German lessons, perhaps through a partnership with a community college.

“We have a year to work on the best delivery model we can possibly offer to our students,” she said.

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