3. In the FY2005 override At-Risk Summary, $300,000 are itemized to hire six additional full time staff at the elementary and middle schools. The projected enrollment in these schools is actually down, by 57 students for the year. Why do we need more staff when the number of students is declining?

First, in the last couple of years, the projected number of students was lower than the actual number of students who ended up attending our schools. For example, in 2004, 6028 students were projected, but 6120 have enrolled - that is a 92 student increase.

Lexington has 6 elementary schools, each having between 18 and 24 classrooms (over 120 classrooms total). The decreased enrollment of 57 students does not even decrease each class-size by one. Since we already have many classrooms over our target class size, we will not be able to reduce the number of teachers needed.

There is a solid body of research that shows that class size is extremely important to learning, especially at the elementary level. This is why the school system's target class sizes for grades 1-5 are between 22 and 24 students. The unassigned teaching positions are used to guard against unanticipated large class sizes.

To understand the role of these unassigned teachers at the elementary and middle school levels, one needs to look at individual schools. Because children attend their neighborhood schools, the system does not have complete control over class size in each building, and annual redistricting is not an option. For example at one school, while 2nd grade might have only 23 students per class, the third grade might have an average number of 26 students in each room. If four new families with 3rd graders move into the neighborhood during the summer (it does happen), all of the 3rd grades will now become over the limit, each requiring an aide for 2 hours per day (costing $6,500 each). In addition, many classrooms are too small to allow teachers to sufficiently vary instruction (e.g., small groups) with over 26 students. However, if a new 3rd grade is opened and a new teacher added (cost $50,000), each class-size will drop to 20 or 21. For an incremental cost of $29,500 we manage to keep elementary class sizes at or below our target, substantially improving the quality of instruction for these children. Each 3rd grade child in the building will benefit by such a reduction in class size.

The reason to budget for unassigned teachers is to allow the superintendent to react to these kinds of fluctuations in enrollment. Rest assured that if these teachers are not needed, their salaries will be saved.

For a full analysis of FY05 staffing follow this link. This analysis includes a full impact of the override vote.

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