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Community Corner

How Class Size Increase Works

A frequently asked question is, “How does raising the target class size by 1 or 2 mean there may be many more than that added to my child’s class?” Here’s how. Say the target class size for first grade – and this is just an example – is 25 kids. And let’s say a particular school is staffed to have 3 first grade “sections” (classrooms). Normally, even though that is the target, the district tries to keep enrollment in classes under target. So, you may be used to your child’s classroom having 22 or 23 kids and not even realize the target for that grade is 25. When the district sees a grade filling up to target, they ideally open a new section (this means another classroom and teacher) to accommodate that and keep class sizes small. Every year toward the end of the summer, a rush of enrollments occur as people move into district, etc. All of a sudden there may be 12 more kids for that grade in that school. A zero budget means that we do not have the money or staff to open another section to keep class sizes under target. SO – now not only is your child possibly going to be in a class that has a few more than previously used to - but since the target size has been increased, it could now be perhaps 5 more. (So instead of filling to the prior target of 25, it’s now the new target of 27) The potential is there for this to happen - especially in higher enrollment schools - and a failed tax cap budget means there is no funding in place to combat that situation should it arise.

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