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Teacher at meeting says class sizes among lowest in years; certification for preschool discussed
Summary
A longtime Arborwood teacher told the board her current classes are smaller than in past years and noted preschool certification (ZA endorsement) requirements for staff. Staff and trustees discussed how endorsements and master’s progress affect preschool staffing options.
During the staffing update, a teacher in attendance described classroom conditions from a classroom perspective, saying current young‑fives and kindergarten numbers are lower than historical highs and easier to manage.
"I teach young fives at Arborwood. I have 17. That is the lowest number I've ever had," the teacher said, adding that kindergarten at Arborwood is currently at 23–24 and that historically she has seen as many as 31 young‑fives in a class. The teacher added that lower class sizes are "much more manageable with some of the behaviors that we see in our classroom from our littles."
Board members and staff also discussed certification requirements for preschool teachers. The meeting noted that to teach preschool the district typically looks for a ZA endorsement; one teacher said she does not yet hold the ZA and is midway through a master's program. Flynn said the district has many staff with K–5 or K–8 certifications who can provide flexibility, but some preschool assignments require specific endorsements. The discussion underscored certification and staffing constraints as the district considers preschool space and program options.
