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Brazosport ISD approves class-size exemption for second-grade bilingual class at T.W. Aug Elementary
Summary
Trustees granted a local innovation plan class-size exemption after administrators said the second-grade bilingual classroom had exceeded the districts 22:1 target (reporting 24 students) for the required period and a paraprofessional is assigned.
Brazosport ISD trustees approved a class-size exemption for a second-grade bilingual classroom at T.W. Aug Elementary, allowing the class to remain together despite exceeding the districts 22-to-1 student-to-teacher target.
Deputy Superintendent for Elementary Schools (identified in the meeting as Ms. Herykadip) explained the districts local innovation plan gives the board authority to grant exemptions when a class exceeds the 22:1 ratio for more than 35 days. She said the second-grade bilingual class at T.W. Aug had exceeded that threshold and a paraprofessional is currently assigned to support instruction. The administration recommended approving the exemption as the least disruptive option for students.
Trustees asked clarifying questions about class counts and alternatives such as hiring a certified teacher, adding a second bilingual section, or transferring students. Board members discussed costs and impacts on families. A trustee moved to approve the waiver; it was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Why it matters: the exemption keeps students with their existing teacher and classmates to preserve instructional continuity, according to administration, while acknowledging trade-offs including the cost of additional staff and potential disruptions if class sizes later drop. The board recorded the exemption as approved.
