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Board adopts 2025–26 staffing model with higher class-size ratios as cost-saving measure
Summary
Trustees approved a staffing model that raises some class-size ratios for 2025–26: K–5 target ratios move to 22:1 (prek/K remain 20:1), middle schools to 23:1, and high schools to 26:1; bilingual ratio set at 17:1 and principals may choose an AP or counselor in some schools.
The Southwest ISD Board of Trustees approved the district’s preliminary 2025–26 staffing models, a framework the administration said is intended to reduce personnel costs while preserving instructional quality.
District staff told trustees they propose maintaining pre-K and kindergarten ratios at 20:1, moving grades 1–5 to a 22:1 target, setting bilingual classrooms at 17:1 (reflecting operational constraints where some campuses have only one bilingual teacher per grade), increasing middle-school ratios to 23:1, and using a 26:1 target in high schools. Staff said principals at elementary schools will be given an option to select either an assistant principal or an additional counselor at schools meeting certain thresholds. The district also proposed eliminating PE aides at elementary campuses except where enrollment exceeds specified thresholds.
Presenters said the model is a framework to be applied during staffing and enrollment projection work; district staff will continue to refine teacher allocations using master schedules and projected enrollment and will present campus-specific staffing consequences to the board and budget committee. Staff emphasized the changes will be handled primarily through attrition and schedule balancing rather than abrupt layoffs.
After discussion and requests for follow-up information, trustees approved the staffing model by voice vote and asked for a follow-up that shows current staffing levels and the projected changes for each campus when the administration develops the campus-by-campus staffing assignments.
