The Centennial School District 28J Board Work Session on September 24, 2025, highlighted significant discussions regarding class sizes and teacher allocations across various schools, addressing community concerns about educational quality and resource distribution.

One of the key topics was the deployment of additional teaching positions in response to fluctuating enrollment and high mobility rates within the district. The district has implemented "hot spot" teacher positions to manage classes that exceed desired size limits. Notably, an extra kindergarten teacher has been assigned to Pleasant Valley, and an additional first-grade teacher to Butler Creek, aimed at alleviating overcrowded classrooms.

The board also discussed class size adjustments at Park Lane, where the original allocation of teachers for third and fifth grades was revised. Due to behavioral challenges among students, the decision was made to assign three teachers to fifth grade instead of two, while reducing third grade to two teachers. This change reflects the district's commitment to maintaining manageable class sizes and ensuring effective teaching environments.

Efforts to balance class sizes were also a focal point, particularly at Patrick Lynch, where families are being encouraged to consider transferring their children to Park Lane, which currently has lower class sizes. The district is prioritizing voluntary transfers before implementing more formal overflow strategies. Additionally, the board is monitoring fourth-grade class sizes at Albutte, which are nearing the cap, and may explore similar voluntary overflow options there.

The discussion also touched on the concept of blended classes, which the district aims to minimize due to the specific curriculum requirements for each grade level. While there is one blended class currently in place, the preference is to maintain distinct grade levels to enhance educational outcomes.

As the district continues to navigate these challenges, the board remains focused on ensuring that all students receive the support and resources they need to thrive academically. The outcomes of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape for families in the Centennial School District.