Parent tells Addison SD4 board losing fourth-grade dual-language class would harm students, cites overcrowding and safety concerns

A parent told the Addison School District 4 Board of Education that she and other families are concerned the district will eliminate a fourth-grade dual-language class at Lincoln Elementary for the 2025 school year and described overcrowded classroom conditions she said create safety risks.

The commenter said she attended a prior board meeting hopeful the district would keep two fourth-grade dual-language classes but returned to voice disappointment and speak for other parents who are intimidated to speak publicly. She said the new principal, Cara, has been communicative and supportive but indicated the district is waiting for a six-day grace period tied to late registrations.

The parent described visiting the classroom, rearranging desks with the teacher Ms. Carrasco to create more space and helping with dismissal. She said students struggle to access backpacks because there is not room to move and added, “To me, not having enough space makes it a fire hazard for the students to exit the classroom,” expressing concern about emergency egress.

The parent also said other families share the concern but feel intimidated about speaking during public comment. The transcript does not record a written response from the board or a formal staff commitment beyond earlier references to the six-day registration period and communications with the new principal.

Next steps recorded in the meeting: the parent said the principal asked families to wait for the six-day grace period for registrations; no board motion, vote or formal decision about class configuration appears in the transcript.