The Board of Education discussed the idea of creating a new policy for class sizes at its meeting on December 4. It was the first read of the potential policy. The board typically votes on policies after a second read.

Board of Education Vice Chair and Policy Committee Chair Rebekah Harriman-Stites introduced the idea of creating the new class size policy by explaining that while there have been general guidelines, the district has not had a set policy on class size.

“We believe that we should have a general statement around class size and our belief that there’s obvious reports and studies around the benefits of smaller class sizes... We should move the actual class size ranges and recommendations to the regulation,” said Ms Harriman-Stites, explaining the policy is the portion approved by the school board and the regulation can be changed without board approval.

Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue said the topic of class sizes is “close to my heart,” adding that she has been reading research for years.

“That research has not changed... We need to look at environments that are far more conducive to learning,” said Dr Rodrigue.

The superintendent said her main concern is the rising needs of students and the “growing challenge for our teachers,” with added expectations. Dr Rodrigue said personalized learning is important.

“We have grown in the number of students with [504 plans], with specialized services, with [Scientific Research Based Interventions (SRBI)], and let’s not forget those who simply struggle and are identified in any of those problem areas needing support,” said Dr Rodrigue.

Referencing data from the US Department of Education’s 2015-16 Civil Rights Data Collection, released in April, Dr Rodrigue said Newtown ranked first in the nation for the “highest number of 504 [plans] in our district.” According to the US Department of Education, Newtown had 15.5 percent of its students have 504 plans for 2015-16, and 504 plans are individually created for students with disabilities. Dr Rodrigue said assumptions could be drawn regarding connections to the aftermath of the 2012 shooting, and data is collected every two years. The district is already working on submitting data again for the next collection.

Saying she quickly calculated the current data before attending the meeting, Dr Rodrigue added, “We’re still hovering at least 13 percent, maybe even higher.”

“I believe just based on social/emotional issues two years prior and [post the Sandy Hook School shooting], school avoidance, and other issues brought us up to over 15 percent,” said Dr Rodrigue, adding she believes the district made progress by moving start times for the middle school and high school later for the health and well-being of students.

Pointing out the district’s strategic plan aims to provide all students with high quality education, Dr Rodrigue said that in order to meet the needs of students, she prepared a “phase-in plan” that proposes a “minimum change for kindergarten” next school year of adding one additional staff member in the 2019-20 school budget. A full implementation of the plan to have smaller class sizes would require more staff be hired for next school year.

According to the proposed regulation, kindergarten class sizes would be between 15 to 18 students, first to fourth grade would be between 18 to 21 students, fifth to eighth grade would be between 21 and 25 students, and ninth to twelfth grade would be between 25 and 30 students. A descriptor with the regulation explains the numbers, “reflect a range of class sizes across grade levels. Administrators must have the flexibility to make decisions based on a number of important factors that may fluctuate from year to year.” Before voting on a policy, the school board can make changes.

“I wouldn’t be suggesting this unless I thought it was critically important,” said Dr Rodrigue.

Board members asked a range of questions around the proposed policy at the December 4 meeting, and board member John Vouros voiced his concern for grade levels other than kindergarten with students that require “more than we can give.” He said if the district can defend “putting more teachers in the budget, than that’s exactly what we should be doing.”

The board also had first reads on a drug and alcohol testing policy for school bus drivers, an administering medication policy, and a policy regarding field trips.