5120.01 - GUIDELINES FOR ESTABLISHING CLASS SIZE/ STAFFING ALLOCATIONS

It is the intent of the Board and administration, where feasible, to limit class size. The following maximum class sizes are recommended:

1. 4K Student/Teacher Ratio by grade                        18 students*
   Kindergarten Student/Teacher Ratio by Grade 22 students**

2. Grade 1-3 Student/Teacher Ratio by grade             24 students

3. Grades 4-5 Student/Teacher Ratio by grade            26 students

4. Grades 6-8 Student/Teacher Ratio by grade            30 students

5. Grades 9-12 Student/Teacher Ratio by grade          30 students

6. *4K staffing is based on a 9:1 ratio by including a classroom paraprofessional.
    
7. **5K staffing includes paraprofessional support. 

Within instructional units in grades 4 and 5 and academic blocks in middle school and high school, the number of students in some classes may be more than, or less than, the unit or block student/teacher ratio as a result of grouping for instruction based on the needs of students.

It is recognized that class size may increase beyond desirable numbers with little notice. Therefore, in order to be able to respond in a timely manner, the following alternatives will be considered and an action plan formulated when the grade level enrollment is within one (1) student below the recommended maximum number. Faculty requirements, staffing levels, class characteristics, and budget considerations are factors influencing the decision and planning process. Alternatives to be considered, not necessarily in priority order, are:

1. Add additional teacher time;
2. Add paraprofessionals (the hours depends on class make-up);
3. Transfer students to another school on an optional or non-optional basis;
4. Hire an additional teacher;
5. Consider other creative solutions as appropriate to the situation.

Principals will utilize teaching staff input in formulating recommendations to the District Administrator. Staff and parents/guardians will be advised when any of the above alternatives are implemented. Exceptions to the recommended class size range or action plan may occur due to the type of class, such as reading, students with disabilities, or physical education.

STAFFING:

Annually, prior to the first  Board meeting in May, the District Administrator/designee shall present a staffing plan to the Board. The plan shall be based on the best information available relative to projected K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 enrollments.  Once presented, the plan shall be implemented the following school year.  It is not the Board's intent to make changes after the school year has begun should there occur occasional instances where desired student/teacher ratios may be exceeded.  However, principals and their staff are expected to make the most equitable use of their human resources to address such occurrences.

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULING GUIDELINES:

1. Minimum Class Sizes: A minimum of 15 students should be scheduled in a single section or in a course at the beginning of a sequence (e.g., Art).
2. Minimum Class Size for Upper-Level Sequence Courses: A minimum of ten (10) students should be scheduled in upper-level sequence courses (e.g., cooperative educational programs, and supervised occupational experiences).
    
   1. Upper-Level Courses: Those courses are the last courses in a sequence series or courses offered due to enrollment in prerequisite courses or a combination of prerequisite courses.  The high school principal will identify upper-level courses before student scheduling. These courses must be recommended by the high school principal and approved by the District Administrator
   2. Exceptions:
       
      1. When two (2) or more courses can be combined, which results in a total enrollment of ten (10) (e.g., Spanish III and IV).
      2. Technology Education, Agriculture, and Art classes with limitations based on safety or access to equipment.
      3. Students enrolling in sequential courses will be able to complete the sequence only if sufficient class enrollments are outlined above or with the approval of the District Administrator.
      4. Smaller sections may be approved to maintain the availability of an Advanced Placement high school course. Any course with less than ten (10) students requires the approval of the District Administrator.
3. Maximum Enrollment Regular Courses: By the third Friday in September, enrollments in all classes should be leveled to a maximum of 30 students.
    
   1. Exceptions:
       
      1. Physical classroom capacity (square footage, furniture, etc.).
      2. Classrooms with limited capacity for learning stations.
      3. EL, Special Ed, and Interventions
   2. Exceptions for Large Group Instruction Include (But Are Not Limited to) the following:
       
      1. Music sections, e.g., band, choir, and orchestra.
      2. Physical education classes.
      3. Sections that could have support services of a paraprofessional.
   3. Closed Class Sections: Class sections will be closed when thirty (30) students are enrolled in a section except for those exceptions allowed above.
       
      1. A waiting list will be maintained for students who desire to enroll in a closed section.
      2. Students will be notified when openings are available in closed course sections, with entry into the course left to the discretion of the building principal.

4. All district students will be considered based on the following (in priority):
    

   1. Requirements to graduate,

   2. Year in school, 

   3. College entrance program requirements and/or, 

   4. The first come, first served basis is used when deciding who will be assigned to courses that cannot accommodate all that apply.

The principal must recommend deviations from these guidelines and have prior approval from the District Administrator.

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