Parents and advocates tell Anne Arundel school board overcrowded classes and special‑education removals are harming students

Ashley Bernrice, a parent of a fourth grader at Jones Elementary, told the Anne Arundel County Board of Education that rising class sizes are harming instruction and student learning. “Our 4th grade classrooms are overcrowded with our class sizes that increased from last year at 26 students to now at 31 students,” Bernrice said, adding that teachers have been forced to modify assignments and “can't get through all the material because of the larger class sizes and student needs.”

The parent said more than 20 families from Jones Elementary have contacted their board district member, Michelle Hamm, the regional superintendent, and the superintendent but “had not received a meaningful response.” Bernrice praised Jones teachers as “dedicated” but said board action is needed to “prioritize…