During a recent Brookline School Committee meeting, parents expressed deep concerns regarding proposed changes to class sizes at Hays School, particularly for the incoming third graders. Anna Maria Ramos, a mother of two Hays students and a former substitute teacher, shared her emotional testimony about the impact of smaller class sizes on her daughter’s education. She highlighted the benefits of the RISE program, which previously provided her daughter with the necessary attention to thrive academically.

Ramos emphasized that the proposed consolidation of classes could jeopardize the quality of education that families have come to expect from Brookline’s public schools. She noted that smaller class sizes not only enhance student learning but also contribute to teacher satisfaction and retention, which are crucial for maintaining a high-quality educational environment.

Other parents echoed these sentiments, expressing fears that the current number of students would lead to overcrowded classrooms and diminished educational experiences. They pointed out that the existing class composition includes students with special needs, which further complicates the situation. The parents urged the committee to reconsider the decision to reduce the number of classes, stressing the urgency of resolving the issue before the upcoming school year.

Faith Dantowicz, another parent, reinforced the importance of maintaining small class sizes, particularly for students in specialized programs like RISE. She recalled that the commitment to small classroom sizes was a key factor in the establishment of the RISE program, and she urged the committee to uphold that promise.

The school committee acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated that discussions regarding class sizes would continue in future meetings. The parents left the meeting hopeful that their voices would lead to a resolution that prioritizes the educational needs of their children.