El Segundo teachers press board for class‑size caps, shorter service day and higher pay
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Summary
A Spanish teacher and representatives of the teachers’ association urged the El Segundo Unified School District board to adopt clear class‑size maximums for grades 4–12, limit after‑school meeting time and improve compensation and benefits, saying current ratio rules and low offers harm students and staff retention.
Warren Croft, a Spanish teacher at El Segundo Middle School, told the board during public comment that teachers are seeking three contract changes they say would benefit students: clear maximum class sizes for grades 4 through 12, reduced after‑school meeting hours and increased compensation and benefits.
“What we're asking for is simple clear maximum class sizes for grades 4 through 12,” Croft said, adding that the district currently uses a ratio system so teachers and parents do not know a firm cutoff. He also urged that if a class exceeds a maximum, teachers receive compensation.
A representative of ESTA, the educators’ bargaining group, amplified those concerns at the meeting. “The district refused to establish class size limits for grades 4 through 12, rejected compensation for oversized classes in TK to 12, and declined to even discuss workload limits,” the speaker said, arguing those positions directly affect student learning, educator burnout and staff retention.
Board members did not respond with commitments during public comment; the issues were presented as matters for ongoing bargaining. No formal board action on negotiations occurred at the meeting.
The teacher comments preceded board business including an audit presentation, several unanimous approvals of routine contracts and allocations, and a midyear goals update from the superintendent.