Parents urge Port Washington board to amend class‑size policy, cite overcrowding at Sousa

Dozens of parents and community members used the public comment period at the Jan. 28 Port Washington Board of Education meeting to press trustees to amend the district's class‑size policy (Policy 4420) and reduce maximum elementary class sizes.

"We implore you to take action on this issue promptly," said parent Lauren Toll, who told the board she circulated a petition earlier the same day that had drawn about 350 signatures calling for a change to the policy. Another speaker later said the petition had 352 signees; speakers used both figures during the meeting.

Several parents said the problem is most acute at Sousa Elementary School and Guggenheim Elementary School. Shannon Preston said, "There are 26 kids in my daughter's fourth grade class at Sousa," and described how large classes limit individualized attention. Jolene Daniello asked the board to "revisit class size policy 4420 and reduce the maximum by at least 2 students across all elementary levels."

Researchers and teachers' advocates who spoke connected class size to curriculum implementation. Lauren Krieger, a literacy researcher, told the board that the district's new evidence‑based reading curriculum depends on small‑group instruction and warned that large classes will compromise implementation: "Small group instruction is the most essential component for effective implementation of the new evidence‑based literacy curriculum."

Speakers said that parents raised class‑size concerns with district administration throughout 2024 and that previous approvals permitted classes to exceed the policy maximums. Several said they are reconsidering their support for the district budget in May if class sizes are not addressed. Will Tracy and others asked the board to prioritize hiring a superintendent who will address class‑size management.

Board members did not adopt any policy changes at the meeting. Trustees acknowledged the concerns and noted the superintendent search and upcoming budget work sessions where class size and staffing will be part of the conversation. The board scheduled further budget discussion for the Feb. 11 meeting but did not commit to immediate revisions to Policy 4420.

Affected details from public comments

- Petition count: speakers cited "about 350" and "352" parents and community members who signed a petition calling for policy change. - Reported class sizes: multiple speakers cited a fourth‑grade class at Sousa with 26 students; other speakers said some classes exceed policy maximums and that certain ICT and special‑program classes also have above‑recommended enrollments. - Enrollment context: district enrollment reported by administration at the meeting was 5,345 students as of Jan. 22, 2025.

Speakers requested that the board amend Policy 4420 to set lower elementary maximums (several parents called for a reduction of at least two students per class) and asked the board to ensure that curriculum investments are paired with staffing levels that allow small‑group instruction. Trustees did not indicate a timeline for revising Policy 4420.