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District leaders roll out districtwide plan to expand 4–5 multi‑age classrooms; some trustees and parents express concern
Summary
District administrators presented a plan to implement multi‑age (grades 4–5) classrooms at seven of nine elementary schools to even class sizes and align instruction; principals made the staffing decisions, while board members raised concerns that parents were "blindsided" and asked for broader board review.
District administrators told the White Bear Lake Area School Board at a work‑study meeting that seven of nine elementary schools will adopt multi‑age 4–5 classrooms next school year to balance class sizes and create a consistent fourth‑ and fifth‑grade experience.
The plan, presented by district leaders and several principals, is intended to reduce wide class‑size swings that district staff said now range from lows of roughly 19–21 students to highs of more than 30 in a single grade. The district said multi‑age structures let principals manage staffing allocations so K–3 class targets remain stable while evening enrollment across older grades.
Administrators described the decision as a building‑level staffing choice. "The principals…
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