Port Washington BOE discusses class-size reductions, budget trade-offs and proposed removal of pre-K counselor

Summary

Trustees and community members pressed the Port Washington Union Free School District Board of Education on class-size policy, possible hiring of up to three full-time equivalent (FTE) positions to reduce elementary class sizes, and the proposed elimination of a part-time pre-K counselor who also serves as the district McKinney‑Vento coordinator.

Trustees on the Port Washington Union Free School District Board of Education on April 8 discussed efforts to reduce elementary class sizes for 2025–26 while balancing budget and facility limits.

Community members said smaller classes are urgent; multiple parents urged the board to adopt lower policy maximums rather than rely on annual budget choices. Ally White, HSA co‑president, told trustees that "adding 72 pre‑K students to the daily counselor's caseload is not comparable" because many pre‑K families have limited English proficiency and other onboarding needs. Jessica Milwani and other parents also asked how McKinney‑Vento work will be reassigned if the pre‑K counselor position is cut.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Shields and trustees discussed a recommendation to fund "up to three" FTEs so most elementary classes would be at least one student below current policy maximums for 2025–26. Trustees and administrators…

Port Washington BOE discusses class-size reductions, budget trade-offs and proposed removal of pre-K counselor

Summary

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