Classes may have a few more kids, cost less money

Georgia public schools can increase the number of students in most elementary and middle school classes by two children next school year under a cost-saving plan state Board of Education members unanimously approved Thursday.

State officials said bumping up maximum class sizes —- just for the 2009-10 school year —- will save about $200 million on the cost of hiring new teachers.

How it saves

School districts must add another class and teacher if the number of students in a class exceeds a set number. By increasing the maximum number, schools won’t have to hire as many new teachers to replace those who retire and move.

An elementary school with 181 third-graders would need nine teachers if the maximum class size is 21 students. The school would need eight teachers if the cap was 23 students.

Henry County school leaders figure the relaxed limit will save from $4 million to $6 million.

New class size limits

Kindergarten increases to 20 students; grades 1-3 increase to 23; and grades 4-8 increases to 30.

High school core classes remain capped at 32 students. Core classes cover English, math, science, social studies and foreign languages.

Financially stressed districts

State schools Superintendent Kathy Cox said school districts are struggling because of state tax cuts and reduced local property tax revenues. Cox said increasing class sizes could prevent systems from eliminating some positions, such as paraprofessionals and others who support classroom teachers.

“This is a way to save our locals some money and have a minimal impact on student achievement,” Cox said after Thursday’s vote.

Impact on students

Research shows that students benefit when classes have about 15 children. Still, those who study class sizes say every child added or subtracted has a measurable effect on achievement.

Teachers say larger classes, particularly those over 26 students, are more challenging because it’s harder to discipline and keep students’ attention.

What other districts do

School districts across the country have assigned more students to teachers as budgets get tighter. Legislatures in several states, including Florida and Hawaii, have discussed increasing class size limits. Florida legislators are discussing a constitutional amendment to give more flexibility to rules that cap grades pre-kindergarten-3 at 18 students; grades 4-8 at 22; and grades 9-12 at 25.

More spending cuts

Local school officials say they are preparing for less state money because of the recession and lower property tax revenues —- and that means spending cuts. Layoffs, eliminating programs, freezing open positions and reducing the number of school bus routes are possibilities. Decisions won’t be finalized for several months.

Staff writer John Hollis contributed to this article.