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Teachers tell Monroe board a 5–6 building would improve instruction and relieve overcrowding
Summary
Multiple teachers and building leaders testified that an intermediate 5th–6th grade school would allow subject-specialist teachers, restore encore spaces (art, music), and reduce transitions; they provided local examples and a packet of research.
A group of Monroe Public Schools teachers and principals told the board Jan. 14 that a dedicated 5th–6th grade building would improve instructional quality and relieve crowding at elementary campuses.
“I support the proposal to create an intermediate school for our 5th and 6th graders,” teacher Chantelle Stephens said, arguing the model would “provide our students with a more stable and consistent learning environment” and free up elementary classrooms for encore teachers. Sarah Sove, a 21‑year district teacher, added that encore classes such as art and music “cannot travel on a cart” and that specialty instruction increasingly requires teachers who focus on particular grade bands.
Melissa Kramer, representing a team of educators, said the group compiled research and would share articles and links for the board to review. “We stand united in our support of this proposal,” Kramer said, emphasizing teachers’ readiness for team teaching and specialized schedules.
Teacher presenters and principals also described how other districts repurposed buildings and used transition programs to ease student moves; they offered to provide additional schedules and research folders to inform the board’s decision-making.
