Class Size - Right Size!
Dear Leon Parents/former Parents/Alumni:
After a recent discussion with our principal, Rocky Hanna, we thought we should share this information with you.
(excerpt from a letter sent to me from music teacher, Martha Stanley)
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The impetus for this communication to you is due to the "hard class-size cap" that is coming up this next school year. This means penalties for schools unless EVERY classroom is under the cap. There is a Republican constitutional amendment called "Right Size Class Size" being proposed by Gaetz (Niceville) et al, that would mean less restrictive caps.
1) As it stands, the hard cap will likely cause funding issues requiring more classroom teacher positions, probably at the expense of other instructional positions (music/art are constantly being mentioned). At least three Florida counties have already told music teachers to count on things being shaky next year.
2) However, there are also fairly substantiated rumors that districts are just planning to pay the fine for not being in compliance, rather than going through all the machination of holding fast to the law. This would actually be far cheaper than implementing the law. Is it legal? Is it a good workaround?
3) The Gaetz/Weatherford amendment, the so-called "Right Size Class Size" proposal, is a constitutional amendment that - IF passed by both houses of the legislature during this spring's session and then approved by 60% of the voters in November - wouldn't take effect until well after the school year starts. (Relaxing the restrictions of the current law would NOT mean huge classes. It just allows schools to use some common sense and do what’s best for students.)
4) So what happens in August in Leon County with this issue? Will the district elect to pay the fine and move on or will we be doing layoffs, furloughs and worse as is being threatened in other counties?
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The above information in Martha’s letter is factual. Rocky’s statement to me was that if the class size restrictions are not modified, we (Leon) will lose elective programs. We cut two music classes this past school year, and there would certainly be more cuts.
Leon has lost 14 faculty positions in the past two school years. That combined with the restrictions placed on us by the current law is a recipe for disaster.
Politicians at the State and Local level listen to parents!! (just look at the new school calendar if you doubt that…it was parent driven) PLEASE get involved in this issue. Write your Legislative reps and encourage them to vote for the amendment. Also, let the LCSB members and superintendent know that you support them if they decide to pay the fine until this new proposal has a chance to help us.
We personally strongly support the Gaetz/Weatherford Amendment and our principal is working openly to help get it passed. This is not a simple issue, however, we can truthfully say the the current law, while well-intended, is already having a negative effect on our students and how we staff our schools, and it will only get worse as the “hard class-size cap” takes effect this coming year.
Thank you for your attention to this issue. Judy Arthur, Tabitha Peck
