MACCRAY staff report low kindergarten class sizes, STEAM schedule changes and a new intervention hire

District staff presented class-size data comparing MACCRAY to nearby schools and regional averages, noting the district's overall classroom average is about 18 students and kindergarten average is notably low (about 15.3 in one example).

The presenter explained that the district moved from a three-week 45-minute STEAM rotation to a schedule where most specials (PE, music, STEAM) are 30 minutes weekly. The change was framed as a way to provide steadier weekly student contact and avoid long gaps between specialty instruction that can hinder multi-session projects.

Board members asked whether behavioral needs and IEPs factor into class assignments; the presenter confirmed the district uses a class-assignment tool (referred to as "class solver") that incorporates academic level, behavior, special-education requirements, teacher input and peer considerations. The presenter said special-education pairs and Title-supported adults are present in most classrooms and that the district would add three positions next year funded by a soda grant.

On academic interventions related to state testing and reading requirements, staff described plans to use study-hall time for additional reading reinforcement and confirmed that a half-time interventionist, Cody Schaefer, will be assigned to intervention work while covering part of a Minnesota-history assignment. Staff said they are coordinating training with program vendors and the service cooperative to implement required interventions effectively.