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Parents urge board to preserve kindergarten staffing and avoid 28–32 pupil classes
Summary
Multiple parents spoke during public comment to oppose proposed reductions to kindergarten staffing and a potential rise in class sizes to as many as 28–32 students, warning of academic and social-emotional impacts and raising concerns for students with IEPs.
Parents from several elementary schools used the June 10 meeting's public‑comment period to press the board to preserve kindergarten staffing and prevent projected class‑size increases.
Jordan Velez, a Murdoch Elementary parent, called proposed kindergarten classes of 28 to 32 students "way too big" for early learners and urged the district to preserve staff. "This cut risks long term harm to our students and pushes teachers really to the breaking point," Velez said.
Shana Wright, also a Murdoch parent, described the same class‑size concern and said research from the California PTA and teachers' groups recommends smaller classes in TK–3. Jackie Bastuba, another Murdoch parent, cited school accountability data showing kindergarten class sizes had not exceeded 25 since 2021–22 at her school and expressed concern for incoming students with IEPs.
Staff said the district faces declining enrollment, lower attendance, rising special‑education costs and the end of some one‑time funding, which all factor into staffing decisions. The board did not vote on class‑size changes on June 10; parents asked the board to explore alternatives or additional supports if reductions are necessary.
What happens next: parents asked for more communication and for the board to consider options that preserve early-grade staffing; staff will continue budget planning and present specific reduction proposals if needed.
