School district faces class size crisis as ELA and band programs face potential cuts

The Perrysburg Exempted Village Board of Education held a special meeting on December 12, 2024, to discuss critical issues affecting student support and class sizes in the district. A significant focus of the meeting was the impact of increasing enrollment on educational resources, particularly in English Language Arts (ELA) and band programs.

During the meeting, administrators highlighted the challenges posed by larger class sizes, especially in ELA, where the potential for classrooms to reach nearly 30 students could hinder effective teaching and support. The discussion emphasized the need for individualized support for students, which is becoming increasingly difficult to manage with the current class sizes. The administrators noted that the situation is fluid, with ongoing assessments of student needs and family communications to ensure appropriate support is provided.

The band program was also addressed, with concerns raised about maintaining quality instruction as class sizes grow. Currently, band classes for grades 7 and 8 have between 40 to 45 students, which could lead to difficulties in offering specialized classes for students with complex needs.

The meeting also touched on the importance of the assistant principal position, which plays a vital role in supporting both students and teachers. The administrative team is committed to hands-on involvement, collaborating with teachers to address student issues and implement tiered interventions. However, the potential elimination of certain activities and resources due to budget constraints could significantly alter the dynamics of support within the school.

As the district prepares for the upcoming school year, the board will need to consider these challenges carefully to ensure that all students receive the necessary support and resources to succeed. The discussions from this meeting underscore the importance of addressing class sizes and administrative roles to maintain the quality of education in Perrysburg.