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Teachers and students press board on class size, business-week scheduling and curriculum as administration presents achievement data
Summary
Teacher union and student representatives highlighted class-size caps, a business-week scheduling conflict that will make juniors miss Field Day, and asked for early planning. Administrators presented PSSA/Keystone math and intervention data and proposed phased renewal of ELA resource SAVIS.
At the March 9 committee meeting, the district heard sustained comment from both the teachers'representative and student leaders on classroom conditions and scheduling while administration presented state achievement data and a planned curriculum purchase.
Debbie Miller, speaking for the teachers (Penrest Education Association as presented in the transcript), urged the board to prioritize class-size caps (ideally fewer than 20 in early grades and maximums for secondary levels), to authorize early hiring to secure candidates given shortages, and to include educators in enrollment projections. She cited research and urged that the board commit to proactive hiring and caps as part of next year's budget planning.
Student representatives from multiple high schools reported on activities and raised specific concerns about Business Week being rescheduled to May. Cecil Preston (Maplewood) said the new date conflicts with band concerts and elementary Field Day and requested accommodations (allow juniors in band to attend first-period practice then drive to Business Week; consider ending Business Week one day early). Administration said principals chose May because of testing windows and agreed to meet to explore accommodations and scheduling.
Administrators presented achievement results (spring 2025 PSSA and Keystone snapshots). Aaron Bonso, who manages assessments, reported variable math proficiency by grade (example: third grade ~54% proficient/advanced; middle grades show lower proficiency with percentages decreasing in 7th/8th). He described district strategies to improve outcomes: benchmark practice (Freckle/Star Renaissance), targeted interventions (Math 180), WIN time targeted instruction, and professional development including open-ended questioning and early numeracy training.
The board discussed instructional practice: several members urged returning to basic fact fluency drills (flash cards/fact fluency) and cited teacher training and evidence-based interventions; administration said such practices are part of early numeracy work being rolled out.
Curriculum item: administration proposed renewing the grades 6'12 ELA resource SAVIS using a six-year contract phased across budget years to save approximately $100,000. Board members asked for evidence linking the resource to improved local outcomes and noted student cohorts impacted by prior instructional disruptions.
Next steps: Administration will bring more detailed data on cohort growth and curriculum evidence to next meetings and will meet with principals to explore Business Week/Field Day accommodations.
Quote: "Smaller classes allow teachers to provide more individualized instruction," said Debbie Miller, urging earlier budget action to secure staff.
