How will this affect class size?

Maximum class size is mandated by state law. Each of the new districts is free to set their own class size policies within the constraints of existing law. It is very possible that new districts will find ways to reduce class size.

The quality of education in our schools has been adversely affected by issues other than just class size. For example, closures of schools in 2000 and 2003 have resulted in unforeseen problems such as crowding and organizational conflicts. Many schools are now exceeding functional operating size as evidenced by the construction of portable trailers at several schools—necessary for those schools to comply with mandated class sizes. Some schools have been forced to mix two completely different and incompatible educational programs to the detriment of all the children involved in those programs.

It appears that the BVSD Board made decisions without a basic understanding of our school physical assets and without a real understanding of the organizational needs of our schools. The result is that the school operating environments are strained, which is having a negative impact on our children’s educational experience.

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