The most recent teacher resignation in the Duquesne City School District has brought to a halt foreign language instruction at the high school.

Secondary Spanish teacher Lisa Dolder resigned as of Oct. 9 and district officials have not been able to find a replacement. Executive Director Vernon Tipton said students who were in the Spanish class might have to have their grades "pro-rated" in that class and then enroll in another elective.

Some parents were angry this year when the district's preliminary budget called for cutting the Spanish teacher along with six other teaching positions. Extra money from the state averted that cut.

The teacher's resignation comes in the wake of other resignations which occurred over the summer and continued into the fall. The state board operating the district accepted the resignations last month of four teachers and the district's technology director.

Dr. Tipton attributed the resignations to the uncertainty that has existed in the past year about the future of the district.

He said he had been working to find a replacement with the personnel department of Pittsburgh Public Schools, which helps manage the financially troubled district. But, he said, Spanish teachers are difficult to find.

Board of Control member Stanley Denton suggested that Dr. Tipton work with the head of the foreign language department of the Pittsburgh schools to find someone with Spanish language skills and then appeal to the state Education Department for emergency certification.

"We are required by law to offer two years of a foreign language," Dr. Denton said, adding that the district is putting students in danger of not being accepted to colleges because many require two years of a foreign language.

Dr. Tipton said he was looking into buying software to teach the students a foreign language or using a distance learning program.

Dr. Denton reiterated his concern about the large number of teacher resignations and asked Dr. Tipton to address the issue of morale with the staff.

In other business, the Board of Control approved a contract with Auberle Education Center to establish a special education classroom within the Duquesne Education Center for up to 12 students at a cost of $115,000. The classroom will provide mental health, drug and alcohol counseling.

Board of Control Chairman Shawn Farr said no students would be forced to leave out-of-district programs they are enrolled in, but that they might choose to do so.

District officials said 10 special education students had expressed interest in returning to the district.

The board approved a benefits package for school police officers. The officers were hired last year and paid an hourly rate, but were provided no benefits.

A discussion will be held at the December board meeting about why the officers are armed at some school activities.