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Board adopts revised class-size policy, clarifies exceptions for special education
Summary
On third reading the Hollis/Brookline board adopted policy IIB (class size), setting maximums and explicitly allowing exceptions for classes serving students with IEPs/504 plans; adoption passed 4–1 after community feedback and committee debate.
The Hollis/Brookline Cooperative School Board adopted a revised class-size policy (IIB) at its July 15 meeting, with a 4–1 vote.
Board members and administrators explained the policy’s purpose is to set clear maximum class sizes while preserving flexibility for legally required and student-supportive exceptions. The adopted language clarifies that classes designed for students with IEPs, 504 plans or other specialized service-learning needs may have fewer than the stated minimums, and allows the superintendent (or designee) to grant exceptions in specified circumstances.
Members debated whether to single out AP or music classes for special treatment; the policy committee removed music- and AP-specific exceptions to base all exceptions on legal or instructional need rather than elective preference. The board emphasized that adopting the policy does not eliminate courses from the curriculum; it only allows administrators to decide whether a low-enrollment section will be run in a given year.
The board said the policy will return in routine agenda cycles as needed; administrators will continue to monitor enrollment and staffing implications during implementation.
