Parents Voice Concerns for Class Sizes

Residents raised concerns regarding crowded Cranford classrooms at Monday’s Board of Education meeting.

“It’s upsetting,” said the parent of a second-grade student at Brookside Place School. “I can’t think of an answer that would satisfy me as to why it's OK that my daughter is in a class with so many kids, but her friend is in a class with 17.”

The Cranford school district is looking at an increase of 54 students this fall, according to education officials. Bloomingdale Avenue and Walnut Avenue schools have seen decreases in enrollment, but all other schools have noted increases.

“We’re keeping a close eye on student enrollment,” said Superintendent Dr. Gayle Carrick. “We’re putting together a district committee. We’re looking at a demographic study but have to wait until October’s official count.”

Demographic studies are usually conducted every five years. The most recent study was conducted in 2008. Carrick expects another this year.

“There are probably other things the committee could be doing while we wait for the study,” said another parent. “I’m just looking for a little more communication."

Residents questioned the number of students in their children’s classes, as well as the total class counts when factoring in mainstreaming special education students.

A special education student is “mainstreaming” when he or she interacts with other students and is included in a regular classroom setting.

There are six mainstreaming special education students in Brookside Place School’s second grade, according to education officials. Three of those students mainstream for 30 minutes per day. Another group of three students mainstream for a maximum hour and a half per day. Those students add to the overall class count during those times, but also come with additional instructors who are allowed to help other students in the class.

“Even 25 kids in a class isn’t OK any more,” said the parent of the second-grade student. “What’s going to happen in 10 years? It’s not just an issue for our own children, but an issue for our town. No one’s going to want to come to Cranford if there aren’t enough facilities.”

“We have to work within our means,” said Carrick. “If we had a donor who’d say lets put two rooms here, three rooms here, sure, but that’s a lot of money. We’re trying to be very careful with taxpayer money to provide the best education for our children. You’re looking at below 17 students per class if you really want to make an impact. But there are also studies that say it doesn’t matter if you put a good teacher in that classroom.”

The Board of Education also approved a number of resolutions regarding new staff appointments, employee contract revisions, salary adjustments, field trip destination approvals, curricula approvals, among other items.

Check back for more news from the meeting.

The Cranford Board of Education holds bi-monthly meetings at Lincoln School. For the schedule, check the link below.