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Fayette County rejects proposal for larger class sizes

Fayette Schools Superintendent Joseph Barrow Jr. said although research data is mixed, smaller class sizes can benefit certain children and are often easier for teachers to manage. Courtesy FCBOE
Fayette Schools Superintendent Joseph Barrow Jr. said although research data is mixed, smaller class sizes can benefit certain children and are often easier for teachers to manage. Courtesy FCBOE
By Jill HowardChurch
May 23, 2019

A proposal to allow larger class sizes in Fayette County schools was rejected 4-1 by the Board of Education on Monday.

The suggestion came from board member Barry Marchman as part of FY2020 budget discussions, since teacher staffing is the largest cost component. Marchman called current limits “an arbitrary number that isn’t really research-based,” and wants principals to decide class sizes.

Julie Turner, assistant superintendent of student achievement, said smaller classes benefit at-risk students, and that teacher allotments are based on state-mandated size limits. Other board members said principals already have flexibility regarding class sizes, and many parents have expressed a preference for lower student-teacher ratios.

Board chair Scott Hollowell said any changes should be subject to community input first.

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