Parent raises class-size concerns; superintendent recommends third Maple Road kindergarten section

A parent asked the West Milford Township Board of Education on Tuesday night what the district is doing about kindergarten class sizes at Maple Road, saying she feared that large classes could harm five-year-olds’ emotional and educational development. The parent, Shannon Trapp, identified herself and said her daughter will enter kindergarten in the fall.

Superintendent Dr. Inamone announced a recommendation to open a third kindergarten section at Maple Road for the coming school year, saying a classroom is already chosen and that staffing would likely come from an in-district transfer rather than a new hire. He said the recommendation will be documented and he expects it will appear on a future board agenda for formal action, possibly in July or August.

Board members and administrators acknowledged parents’ concerns about parity across schools and the challenge of serving students new to school settings. The superintendent said the district has identified space and plans for an internal staffing transfer “from a grade that’s a little bit under subscribed,” and that the formal approval process will follow board procedure.

The exchange began during the public-comment portion of the meeting, when Trapp asked whether a full-time aide would be assigned to any newly added section and pressed for equal attention for students in all town schools. The chair and superintendent invited additional written questions and suggested follow-up via email or by returning to speak at a future meeting.

Next steps: the superintendent’s recommendation will be placed on a future agenda for formal consideration and a vote; the district did not state a firm date for approval at the meeting.