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Parents tell board they fear larger K‑2 class sizes and want clearer data on staffing and budget choices
Summary
Three parents raised concerns during public comment about proposed section cuts and larger class sizes (some citing the district's 80% K‑2 target), requested more transparency on data and staffing decisions, and asked the board to prioritize student experience when finalizing budget-driven staffing changes.
Three parents used the meeting's public comment period to press the board for clearer information about class sizes and staffing decisions tied to budget pressures.
Melissa Capheim said she and other families feel "blindsided and uncertain" by pending section cuts and asked for more transparency on the data the district is using to make staffing choices. "Transparency is all I'm asking for," she said, adding that parents want to know what student‑teacher ratios the district considers appropriate and why some grade levels face cuts while others do not.
Catherine Yank (parent) urged the board to prioritize individualized attention in early grades, saying that larger classes reduce time teachers can spend with individual students. "My number one priority is making sure my child is thriving in his academic career," she said, noting her concern about moving from three sections to two and what that would mean for student movement and classroom activities.
A third parent, Lisonbee Sues, said she and other incoming-grade families are worried that the incoming kindergarten cohort could consolidate into two classrooms of 27 students each if no additional students enroll. She asked what compensating resources—such as aides, part‑time staff or targeted interventions—the district would provide should sections be reduced, and she requested clearer communication so parents can plan.
Superintendent Dr. Russell acknowledged the difficulty of finalizing staffing while enrollment figures are still arriving and noted the district will continue to refine staffing plans as registration completes. He also referenced the personnel recall included in the consent agenda (21 certified staff recalled) as one step in the ongoing staffing work. The board did not take action on class-size policy during the meeting; comments were part of the public‑comment record and the district said it would continue outreach and communications.
Parents requested specific district information: the target that "80% of K–2 students have class sizes of 24 or fewer" (cited by a commenter), current projected K–2 distributions by building, and the rationale used to prioritize which sections to retain. Administrators replied that final staffing decisions depend on confirmed registrations and planned scheduling choices.
