Fairfield Parents Urged To Take Action Against Possible Class Size Change

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — The Riverfield PTA is calling on parents to show up en masse at Tuesday’s school board meeting to voice their concern over potential class size increases that may come with budget constraints.

Toni Jones, Ph.D., left, shared a laugh with parents when she was first introduced as Fairfield's superintendent of schools.
Photo Credit: *Meredith Guinness*

Meredith Guinness

06/13/2017 5:15 a.m.

“Discussion of class size practice” is on the agenda for the meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Board of Education offices, 501 Kings Highway East, and public comments will be heard.

“As we all know, the difference between 23 students in a class versus 25 or 30 is astronomical for our students and teachers,” read an e-mail the PTA sent to parents.

The Board of Education class size guidelines for grades K-2 allow for a maximum of 23 students with 25 allowed in grades 3 to 5.

However, schools Supt. Toni Jones, Ph.D., has “expressed her intent to modify this practice,” due to deep cuts in recent budget proposals, according to the e-mail.

The school system’s collective bargaining agreement allows for 30 students in K through 2 classes and 35 in grades 3 through 5.

Dwight School has already been affected with one third-grade class of more than 25 students, according to the e-mail.

THE PTA is also encouraging parents to reach out to school board members in writing at boemembers@fairfieldschools.org.

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