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Knowlton principal outlines cuts tied to enrollment bubble; board debates retaining assistant principal
Summary
Knowlton School’s principal presented a draft that would drop two classroom positions and a 0.6 assistant principal slot because of projected enrollment declines, which would raise class sizes and prompt board members to press for alternatives to preserve adult support in buildings.
The Knowlton School principal described next year’s projected enrollment changes and proposed staff adjustments intended to align staffing with lower student counts.
School leadership reported that a fourth‑grade "bubble" is declining from this year’s high point to an expected ~192 students next year and recommended reducing two classroom teacher positions and moving a 0.6 assistant principal position to 0.0 at the school. The principal said the proposed cuts would move some class sizes toward 19–21 students and could create instances where classes reach the low‑20s depending on how sections are built.
Board members and administrators pressed for alternatives and asked for a cost estimate to retain one assistant principal versus the full recommended reduction. One board member warned that removing an assistant principal could leave buildings under‑resourced during emergencies or when specialized staff are tied up. The principal highlighted supports that remain in place — a behavior interventionist, speech services, and part‑time related services — but emphasized that each reduction removes adult capacity for supervision and specialized responses.
Staff agreed to provide a follow‑up analysis showing the dollar and operational effect of keeping one assistant principal and of retaining one vs. two teaching positions, to be discussed at the next meeting.
