CODE: 6151
SECTION: INSTRUCTION
CLASS SIZE
The Superintendent shall recommend for Board approval the number of class sections for each course or grade level. He/she shall take into consideration such factors as student needs, curriculum requirements, types of instructional setting, district finances and space or equipment limitations.
Particular attention shall be paid to space-per-pupil requirements of the State Department of Education.
Long-Range Needs Determination
The significance of providing school facilities that enhance the district's educational program is recognized by the Board. To assure a comprehensive approach, the following aspects of need will be considered:
A. The expanding and changing educational program of the district.
B. Relations with the total community, and projected developments in those relationships over the years.
C. Plant and site aesthetics as they affect the education of pupils and feelings of people about their schools.
D. Changing make-up of our population as to age distribution, educational levels, and the like.
E. Community planning and zoning.
F. Financial ability of the school district.
G. Safety and welfare of pupils.
H. Relationship between the projected new facilities and those already in existence.
I. Prudent spending reflecting full value for each tax dollar expended.
The Superintendent of Schools is directed to establish such administrative arrangements as he may consider necessary to determine such needs. In so doing, he/she may draw upon a wide range of resources including the area utility, commercial, industrial, and governmental entities, as well as the district staff and educational consultants.
General Specifications
A. Administrative Structure--The present grade grouping of elementary schools, intermediate schools, and high schools, shall be used in planning new buildings.
B. Location of Buildings--The concept of the neighborhood school for elementary children is acknowledged. New schools shall be located as near the centers of student population as is possible. Consideration shall be given to traffic arteries and hazards, and every effort shall be made to minimize transportation problems and expense.
C. Size of Schools and Sites--New schools shall be large enough to provide a full educational program and small enough to provide for individuality.
D. Class Size--The board of education in recognition of its responsibilities to students, teachers, and the taxpayers authorizes the superintendent of schools and his staff to plan classes or sections within the following guidelines:
Number of Pupils
Grade or Subject Minimum Desired Maximum Range
Jr.-Kindergarten
10
10
12
Transitional First
10
10
12
Kindergarten - 3
18
20-23
25*
4-6
20
20-25
28
7-8
20
25
28
9-12
10
25
28
*Kindergarten may reach the maximum limit of 30 only if a teacher aide is hired.
Specialized groups such as gym classes, team teaching, remedial reading, instrumental music, special education classes, etc., are not included in the above category.
First Reading: December 12, 2000
Adopted: December 19, 2000