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Parent says referendum promises unmet as some elementary classes exceed state guidance
Summary
A parent testified that referendum goals for smaller class sizes, individualized learning, and mental‑health supports are not being met, citing elementary classes on the district's west side with about 30 students and declining test scores.
At the board’s public comment period, parent and district resident Sarah Hemmon urged immediate action addressing what she called a gap between the referendum’s promises and classroom reality. "When the community voted for the referendum, we were promised enhanced individualized learning, smaller class sizes, and more support for mental health," Hemmon said, asking the board "What specific interventions are being deployed to reverse the trend of the declining test scores?"
Hemmon told the board some elementary schools on the west side have about 30 students in a classroom "without the support of an aid," a level she said is well above the state's recommended average. She also cited national data and asserted that 75% of elementary schools saw declining test scores last year, framing the issue as urgent and asking the board for a concrete plan and reconsideration of class size targets and staffing for counselors and social workers.
Board members did not provide immediate policy responses during public comment but acknowledged the concerns and said the administration will continue work on enrollment alignment and staffing as part of the district’s long‑range planning.
