Normal West High School might not have certain AP classes next school year. (WJBC file photo)

By Adam Studzinski

NORMAL – Several AP foreign language classes could be on the chopping block at Normal West High School.

Unit 5 might have to make what Superintendent Mark Daniel called a "difficult" decision and not offer the classes due to low enrollment and budgetary issues. He said at least 15 students need to sign up for the classes.

"Those classes, right now, are below 15," said Daniel. "We could also see if there are additional students that would be interested and maybe they could be persuaded to do so."

The courses are being offered at Normal Community High School. Daniel said the district is exploring ways to make it possible for students at Normal West to be able to take the advanced classes.

"If it is being offered at the other high school, can students opt to be able to go to that? We've also looked at, could we also look at colleges and their offerings, could they take a first year there," he said.

Several students and parents spoke at Wednesday's night school board meeting and expressed their distaste for the idea.

"As you heard the students, they're very passionate, they're very eager for those courses to exist," said Daniel. "We don't want to see those courses not be offered."

Unit 5 will likely know in the next couple weeks what the fate of the AP classes will be.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].