Residents and committee express concern as School Choice hearing highlights class‑size and funding tradeoffs

Chair Mallory Ellis opened the public hearing on School Choice at 6:00 p.m. and explained the basic tradeoffs: the state sets the per‑pupil School Choice amount and the district receives about $5,000 for each incoming School Choice student while losing $5,000 if an Orange student leaves to another district (the loss is $9,742 if the student enrolls in a virtual school).

Resident Denise Andrews asked who sets the School Choice payment; Dr. Lewis said the state sets the figure and added the district cannot legally ask parents why they choose other schools. Several community members and committee members raised concerns about class sizes and capacity. Karen Perkins, who has subbed in third‑grade classrooms, said those rooms run 27–30 students and described them as “very challenging and chaotic,” urging the committee not to offer School Choice seats so that Orange students are prioritized. Stephanie Lupien said classrooms should not exceed 22 students and that the district would lack sufficient space and staff for additional School Choice enrollees.

Committee members echoed those capacity concerns. Frank Hains, Jessica Reske and Crystal Clarke said larger classes will affect instruction and voiced opposition to opening School Choice for 2025–26; Chair Ellis also expressed worry that larger classes could prompt more families to leave the district. The district reviewed projected class sizes (on file) and noted responsibility for students with special‑education needs would remain with the district.

The committee closed the public hearing at 6:34 p.m.; the procedural motion to close was made by Frank Hains and seconded by Crystal Clarke. The committee will take a formal vote in April on whether to accept School Choice students for the 2025–26 school year.