Bothell High student warns proposed general-education funding change could increase class sizes at Kenmore Middle

Shay Burton, a student at Bothell High School and former Kenmore Middle School student, told the Northshore School District board that a proposed change to general education funding would disproportionately affect Northshore and specifically Kenmore Middle School by increasing class sizes.

Burton described how larger class sizes could reduce individual attention: "if a kid needed help in class who is raising their hands to ask a question, a teacher might be delayed to answer due to helping another kid because of the same class size." She also warned that crowded classrooms could create safety hazards in labs or workshops, adding, "This is not where the budget cut should be made." Burton asked the board to consider how the decision would affect learning opportunities for future students, including her younger sister.

Her remarks were offered during the public comment period and did not prompt immediate board action at the meeting. The transcript records the student's concerns and first-hand perspective but does not include a staff response or policy decision on the proposed funding change in that session.