First Systemwide Reduction in Maximum Class Size Guidelines in 20 Years

A press conference on February 9 at 10:30 a.m. in a classroom at Wyngate Elementary School will focus on the commitment of the Board of Education and Superintendent Jerry D. Weast to smaller classes for students. This priority is reflected in the $9.8 million earmarked for class size reduction in the Board's Fiscal Year 2006 operating budget.

This is the first time in 20 years that an operating budget has included a systemwide reduction in maximum class size guidelines.

The $9.8 million will fund 175 new positions - 135 at the elementary level and 40 at the secondary level. Many schools could have classes reduced by as many as five to seven students. Smaller class size also helps include special education students into general education classes, and $2.3 million will be used to further this goal.

Among those attending the press conference will be Board of Education President Patricia B. O'Neill, Superintendent of Schools Jerry D. Weast, members of the County Council, and PTA representatives.