Student, parents accused EPISD, Burges High School of poor deaf education program
October 14, 2012
By Joshua Zuber
EL PASO, Texas —
Burges high school students, both alumni and current, went before the El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees Tuesday to voice their concerns about the district’s deaf education program.
“A lot of us do not trust the interpreters,” said Charles, who only gave his first name to the board. He is a 2004 graduate of Burges.
“We’ve seen it’s become a problem where they are not providing interpreters when the kids need the interpreters. They’re leaving kids out of extra circular activities,” said Terry Myers, a parent of a deaf student.
Some students told the board the interpreters aren’t doing their jobs.
“I don’t like see the interpreter signing, and then put their hands down. What I would like to see is the interpreter do is sign exactly what the instructor is saying so I don’t miss anything,” a deaf senior at Burges High School said.
Additionally, Myers said the administrator in charge of the program isn’t qualified.
An EPISD spokesperson says said the district is looking into all the problems brought up this week.
“We’re working with the parents and students to address those concerns,” Renee Desantos said Tuesday.
Desantos told KFOX 14 via email on Thursday:
“The position of administrator for the Regional Day School Program for the Deaf is currently vacant. Until the position is filled, a temporary administrator is overseeing its operation.
The district is taking appropriate steps to hire a new administrator. The position will be posted in the near future as the job description is being updated since it requires special certifications and qualifications.”
Myers said interim superintendent is scheduled to meet with these parents sometime early next week about the interpreter issue.
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