Board approves staffing guidelines for 2026–27, keeps class-size targets below state minimums

The Fort Thomas Independent Board of Education approved staffing guidelines for the 2026–27 school year after a presentation from Superintendent Mr. Robinson.

Mr. Robinson said the guidelines reflect the district's long-standing approach to staffing and will be used to produce site-based staffing allocations due to principals by March 1. He emphasized that the district aims to keep kindergarten through third-grade class sizes at about 24 students per full-time equivalent teacher, noting that state minimums are higher in upper grades.

"The Fort Thomas staffing allocation is very generous when you compare it to state minimums," Mr. Robinson said, adding the district collaborates with principals to ensure allocations reflect student requests and course demand.

The board moved to adopt the guidelines; the motion was seconded and carried after one board member opposed the measure. No amendments were made during the vote.

Why it matters: Staffing allocations determine how many teachers each school will receive and shape class-size targets across grade levels. Lower class sizes in early grades are a common strategy districts use to focus resources on foundational instruction.

What the guidelines say: Mr. Robinson described approximate staffing triggers used by the district: kindergarten through third grade were described using a benchmark of 24 students per FTE, fourth grade at a higher threshold, and state minimums rising for middle and high school grades. The presentation stressed that the district's allocations typically stay below state minimums, and principals work with district staff to adjust assignments based on projected enrollment and course requests.

Next steps: The staffing allocations will be delivered to site-based councils for review by March 1 as part of the district's annual staffing and scheduling process.