Girard High School to offer American Sign Language

Staff report

GIRARD

For the first time, Girard High School will teach American Sign Language.

The school will introduce a four-year ASL program for incoming freshmen beginning in the 2015-16 school year. The school also will offer ASL as an elective to juniors and seniors.

At Tuesday night’s meeting, the board of education unanimously approved the hiring of Lauren Albaugh, a Champion High School graduate, as a full-time ASL teacher with a starting salary of about $32,530 a year. Albaugh previously served as an adjunct ASL professor at Kent State University.

Principal William Ryser expressed a hope that Girard High School eventually could offer college credit through KSU and that students could serve as ASL interpreters at events such as commencement and band concerts.

Girard will be the second school district in Trumbull County after Champion High School to offer ASL. Girard also offers Spanish and Italian.

“This program fosters the spirit of inclusion and multiculturalism that Girard High School is so proud of,” Ryser said. “And the employment opportunities are unbelievable.”

In lieu of clapping, after board members approved Albaugh’s hiring, they waved their hands to signify applause in ASL.