The Wauwatosa School Board Monday night approved a new world language program that is set to eliminate most full-time elementary school librarian positions to afford hiring Spanish teachers.
The controversial proposal, which passed in a 4-3 vote, has drawn standing-room only crowds of parents at meetings, many of whom supported language instruction but didn't want to give up full-time library media specialist positions in exchange.
The district proposed moving librarians into teaching roles, save for one full-time position that would oversee part-time aides in the elementary school libraries. The district wanted to implement the world language program next school year.
Wauwatosa board members approved another item Monday that had received more universal support from parents: a K-8 Montessori school in the district. That item passed in a 6-1 vote, according to the superintendent's office.