We request approval of an increase of $65,000 to Agenda Item E 1.08, approved by the School Board on April 10, 2007, for a new total of $100,000. The original estimate of $35,000 will be exceeded due to a shortage of qualified sign language interpreters and the impact of several maternity leaves. District sign language interpreter services have resulted in a greater dependence upon our contract agency, Professional Interpreting Consultants. In addition, we have experienced a higher number of requests from schools to provide interpreters for deaf and hard-of-hearing parents participating in conferences and school activities.

Interpreter services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students are required by federal laws including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1974, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Professional Interpreting Consultants have provided services to the school district for 11 years.

Sign language interpreter services are utilized as needed by approximately 220 deaf and hard-of-hearing students to access their regular education classes. Interpreter services are provided for short-term assignments and substitutes at school sites, and services are also provided to deaf and hard-of-hearing parents whose hearing children attend our schools and require a sign language interpreter.

All District Goals and Critical Success Factors

The additional funding of $65,000 to provide interpreting services is included in the divisional fixed budget for Curriculum and Instruction through Exceptional Student Education, Project 5323.