Gompers parents tell MMSD board large third-grade class is harming students
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Summary
Multiple Gompers Elementary parents told the Madison Metropolitan School District board that a single third-grade section of 28 students — including seven on IEPs — has damaged academic progress, belonging and student well-being and urged the board to allocate additional staff or split the class.
Multiple parents of third graders at Gompers Elementary told the Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education on March 16 that the school’s consolidated third-grade section of 28 students is harming learning and well-being.
Shannon Berry, a parent and former MMSD social worker, said her daughter’s test scores have stagnated and mornings are often marked by tears because the classroom is “overwhelming.” Berry said one-quarter of the class (7 of 28) are on individualized education programs and that district guidance lists a 27-student maximum for third grade; she urged redirecting funds — noting a recent $165,000 study on teacher wage compression — to support classrooms instead.
Other parents described similar concerns. Lindsay Rosler Baligen said consolidation from two sections to one has “slowed learning” and reduced students’ sense of belonging; Katie Chu described cramped conditions and loud classrooms that interfere with cultural lessons and special-education supports. Natasha Fahey Flynn said her child’s anxiety and weight changes are tied to the classroom environment and asked the board to consider a special allocation or a middle‑ground policy on class minimums and maximums tied to Title I status.
Parents said some temporary staffing increases (a time-limited 0.6 special-education assistant allocation) will expire and warned that planned changes for next year — keeping the consolidated group together as they advance — risk repeating the current harms. Several speakers asked the district to prioritize direct classroom supports over new studies or long-term analyses.
Board President Nichols thanked speakers and confirmed the written public comments were attached to board documents. The board did not take immediate action on Gompers staffing during the March 16 meeting; parents asked that the concerns be addressed in upcoming budget and staffing discussions.
The board is scheduled to continue routine budget development and workgroup updates in coming months, where parents asked the issue be revisited.
