Class Size Matters

Here is a note from Edgewood Parent Neil Pierson regarding the March 7th Board of Education meeting where class size caps were discussed: At the Monday night meeting there was some concern by some Board members that there was confusion about the Board proposal as it related to class size at the elementary school level. This is not the case; we understand that relaxing the class size caps currently in place is one option available to the Board in response to late enrollments. No one on the Board should be confused about the priorities of the Scarsdale residents in attendance: 22 students in K-3rd grade and 24 for 4th/5th grade is already too large.

What concerns many people and especially me about the budget is that what has been de facto policy for many years is now considered discretionary. More than this, we as taxpayers are being asked to vote on a budget that does not set out what steps will be taken, and in what order, to ameliorate large classes due to late summer additions to the student body. We are being asked to leave this to the discretion of the board, after the vote has been taken.

It would be in all taxpayers best interests to have these steps codified and unambiguous before a vote is taken on a budget, or be part of the budget proposal that is submitted.

The hard work by the Board to find ways to reduce expenses while minimizing their effect on the district was clearly evident in the budget that was proposed. As difficult as times are, and in support of people who don't want to be taxed out of town, I would urge the Board to consider every possible avenue of reasonable cost savings without impacting the ability of the educators to accomplish their primary objective. Despite budget concerns, I believe that keeping the current class size caps is of primary importance and should not be compromised.

Regards,

Neil Pierson
Bradley Road