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Parents and teachers urge Waterford finance board to preserve elementary teachers, citing class-size research
Summary
Multiple parents, teachers and a business owner urged the Board of Finance to restore school funding at a March 25 public hearing, citing local enrollment shifts at Great Neck Elementary and research (Tennessee STAR) that they say supports smaller class sizes.
A coalition of parents, teachers and a local business owner urged the Waterford Board of Finance on March 25 to restore school funding they say is needed to preserve small elementary class sizes and elementary teaching positions.
Speakers during the public-comment period included Marcia Benvenuti (BOE Secretary), who said restoring $330,000 would cost the average Waterford taxpayer roughly $18 per year, and James "Jimmy" Nicholas, an Economic Development Commission member who submitted a data addendum showing a Great Neck cohort that would move from three sections to two in FY27. Nicholas' materials linked local enrollment trends to potential housing demand from Electric Boat's expansion and argued investment in elementary staffing supports the town's competitive position.
Why it matters: Parents and educators told the Board they believe small class sizes are critical for identifying early learning needs, reducing behavioral incidents and keeping experienced teachers. Multiple commenters said Great Neck had previously tried a reduced-section configuration for the same cohort and reversed it after negative classroom impacts.
Representative public comments included:
"A great education can change one's future," said BOE Secretary Marcia Benvenuti, who described herself as a lifelong resident and homeowner and urged the board to restore funding to preserve elementary positions.
James Nicholas submitted a research addendum and wrote that "Electric Boat is bringing 3,000 to 5,000 employees to the Crystal Mall on Route 85 starting mid-2027," arguing that incoming workers will factor school quality into housing decisions. The minutes record his submission but do not contain a town confirmation of the hiring projection.
Several classroom teachers and parents described behavioral and special-education challenges that intensified when sections were previously consolidated at Great Neck and said smaller classes this year have allowed teachers to refocus on academics. Preschool teacher Maggie Sullivan noted the district now operates certified bilingual schools and an inclusive preschool program and urged the board to maintain resources to support those services.
Board members ultimately voted on two restoration proposals: a motion to add $330,000 failed 3-4; a follow-up motion to restore $100,000 passed 5-2. Commenters asked the Board of Finance and the Representative Town Meeting to consider longer-term costs of larger classes, such as higher special-education referrals and remediation costs.
What happens next: The Board of Finance adopted the revised budget and sent it to the Representative Town Meeting for final action. Commenters said they will present their materials to RTM members and continue advocacy if further staffing decisions are considered.
(Quotes and submissions are taken from materials and public comments filed in the meeting minutes.)
