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Parent and community speakers urge Paramount Unified to reconsider "combo" classes, cite academic and social harms
Summary
During public comment, speakers urged the school board to stop relying on combination ("combo") classes and to seek alternatives to classroom closures, arguing such assignments dilute instruction and harm students’ emotional and academic needs.
Speakers at the May 14 Paramount Unified school board meeting pressed trustees to reconsider the district’s increasing use of combination-grade ("combo") classes and closures of classrooms for 2025–26.
"Combo classes are not a solution. They are a compromise and it's our students who will be paying the price," said Christina during the public-comment period, describing how combining multiple grade levels in one classroom forces teachers to divide attention and risks gaps in learning and student well-being. She urged the district to "reconsider the reliance on combo classes and look for alternatives that preserve classroom integrity. Our students deserve more than just a seat in the classroom." (public comment)
Other speakers echoed concerns about communication and campus safety. A commenter identified as Daniel thanked the board for progress but emphasized ongoing consolidation concerns, the need for clearer discipline policies, better incident communication to staff and families, and stronger safety measures—particularly at the high-school campuses. Board members later referenced safety worries and asked staff to review resources and possible policy responses.
What the board recorded: staff and union representatives acknowledged the tight budgets and ongoing negotiations; the meeting’s agenda also included multiple personnel and policy items. The public-comment portion was limited to one hour with three-minute time limits per speaker; staff said they will follow up on inquiries for those who provide contact information.
Next steps: Public commenters asked the board to explore alternatives to combo classes, improve timely incident communication, and consider updated discipline, phone, and AI policies. Board members and staff referenced follow-up through administrative processes and future agenda items.
