Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Staffing And Class Size topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District 58 projects 11.5 FTE reduction, keeps flexibility on some positions as class sizes shift
Summary
Administrators told the board they reduced projected staffing cuts from 13.5 to 11.5 FTE after unexpected savings and staff departures, outlined school‑by‑school class size planning, and described thresholds and next steps for filling positions.
District leaders updated the board on staffing and class size planning on June 9, saying the district will reduce projected certified staff reductions from 13.5 FTE to 11.5 FTE and leave some positions vacant temporarily to preserve flexibility ahead of the fall registration period.
Staff member Justin Sissel presented the report and outlined district priorities: maintain class-size targets established in 2019, balance class sizes, and ensure staffing supports quality instruction. Sissel said unanticipated staff departures and salary/benefit differentials between departing employees and replacements produced unexpected savings that allowed the district to lower its planned certified‑staff reductions.
Key numbers and decisions: The district reported a net reduction of 11.5 FTE instead of the 13.5 FTE forecast in January. Specific allocations: roughly 5.4 FTE reductions across elementary buildings (including two buildings moving from three sections to two in some grades), 2 FTE reduction in specialized programs (driven by student enrollment), and about 4.225 FTE in the middle schools. Sissel said that of the 36 certified staff members on the March reduction list, six remained without positions at the time of the June meeting (two full‑time and two part‑time positions with offers declined by two others). The district said two part‑time hires remain pending and may be rehired in July.
Class size policy and thresholds: District staff emphasized standard thresholds: action is normally required when class size reaches 28 in grades K–2 and 29 in grades 3–8. The presentation noted the district will retain one certified FTE open at some elementary sites to allow flexibility—especially where two first‑grade sections at one school were projected to be 14 and 14 but two families withdrew late in the process.
Discussion highlights: Board members asked for clarity on how dual‑language cohorting affects section counts and whether combined groups for specials (art, music, PE) change staffing needs. Administrators explained that some dual‑language classes remain separate for much of the day and that when two sections merge for specials, the district factors that into scheduling and staffing.
Next steps: Staffing finalizations continue through summer; principals will monitor registrations and building secretaries will follow up with families. The district said more decisions may be made in August to reflect late registrations or withdrawals.
Ending: Administrators framed the changes as planned adjustments that preserve classroom supports while leaving room to respond to late summer enrollment changes.
