Board of Ed Says Demographic Results, Budget to Come

The amount of elementary school class sections and a study on the demographics of the Madison Public Schools district was the main topic of conversation at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday in the Madison High School library.

Superintendent Dr. Richard Noonan said that because there is so much uncertainty in how much money Madison and schools in general will be getting in state aid this year, that several different budget scenarios are going to be produced.

The thought is that when the state does come out with how much the cap and aid will be, there will be a scenario already produced that can be selected to fit those numbers best.

"Until we are presented information, we cannot communicate definitely exactly how many sections there will be for each grade level next year," Noonan said.

Noonan also said that the goal is to not increase class sizes and, ideally, they'd like to decrease them. However, he said no true decision could be made until the state specifics come, which is expected in mid-March, very close to when the district's budget must be approved.

Many of the parents in attendance came to speak about their concerns over class sizes for the early elementary school grades (Kindergarten and first grade in particular). Many believe they are growing too large. Noonan said that district has had two demographers do studies.

The results of those studies will be presented at the board's next meeting, which is on Feb. 23. Noonan also said that he asked the principals of each elementary school to work with the current district guidelines–up to 22 students in K-3 classes and up to 25 for grades 4-5–and get a sense if there is a chance they will run out of room.

"The board, with administration in a public way, will need to make decisions if we are in need of any redistricting. ... There will be no decision on redistricting on Feb. 23," Noonan said while assuring the public that even if redistricting was a possibility, it would take multiple meetings before such a move could be approved.