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District proposes small redistricting to avoid oversized first‑grade classes
Summary
Superintendent proposed shifting a single neighborhood of 12 incoming first‑graders from Atkinson to Thompson School to balance class sizes after projection of 304 first‑grade students next year; staff will notify families and bring a map and feedback at the next meeting.
The superintendent told the school committee that kindergarten → first‑grade enrollments for next year total 304 students and that, under current attendance areas, Atkinson School would face a class of approximately 26–27 students in at least one section.
Rather than move a teacher, the superintendent recommended adjusting attendance boundaries for one neighborhood of 12 incoming first‑grade students who do not have siblings already enrolled at Atkinson. "We identified a neighborhood that has 12 students that fit this criteria," the superintendent said, describing a plan to redraw a small area into Thompson School to balance class sizes district‑wide.
Why it matters: The proposed change aims to keep class sizes more equitable across elementary schools without adding staff. School leaders said bus routes and transportation were discussed and that staff will notify the affected families directly before presenting street‑level details to the committee.
Process and next steps: The superintendent asked for the committee’s blessing to contact the affected families and said she will provide maps and feedback at the next meeting; the committee noted that attendance‑area policy (Policy JC) requires approval after superintendent recommendation and that public notice will be given to families.
What’s next: Families in the identified neighborhood will be notified and the committee will consider final approval in a subsequent meeting after public feedback and map presentation.
