Southwest ISD submits six elementary class-size waivers to TEA; parents to be notified

Southwest ISD staff told trustees the district has submitted six class-size waiver applications to the Texas Education Agency for elementary classrooms that exceed published ratios. Mary Lou Hernandez presented the item and explained that state law limits kindergarten through fourth-grade classes to 22 students per teacher, while the district’s District of Innovation gives flexibility to go to 23-to-1. “This fall, 6 elementary campuses have classrooms that [exceed] flexibility; we have submitted 6 class size waivers to TEA,” Hernandez said, and she listed the affected campuses as Elm Creek Elementary, Sky Harbor Elementary, Southwest Elementary, Spicewood Park Elementary and Sun Valley Elementary. Hernandez said parents of affected students will be notified as required by state law and the district will continue to monitor class counts and consider reroutes or other actions if needed. Why it matters: class-size waivers affect classroom assignments, resource planning and parental notification rights; the board received the informational report and no vote was required.