Parents told cuts will increase class size
Marlboro residents come to realize effects of school budget defeat
By karl vilacoba
Staff Writer

â018If only we knew before." With the scope of cuts resulting from the defeated 2002-03 school budget beginning to filter through the community, this sentiment was expressed by some concerned parents at a June 18 Marlboro Board of Education meeting.

Although class sizes have been projected by district administrators to rise across the board due to budget constraints, perhaps no area will be affected more than the first grade. Seven first-grade teachers budgeted for hire in the board's original spending plan were not hired in the wake of the budget's defeat and a subsequent reduction in spending, according to Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Abbott.

About 40 members of the public attended the sometimes emotional meeting, some hoping the board could find a way to reverse the course. One resident asked if reports that first-grade class sizes would rise from 18-22 to 23-25 students were true. The audience members gasped when Abbott said that in the Marlboro and Dugan elementary schools, some first-grade classes could be as high as 30 students.

The board provided a breakdown of anticipated first-grade class sizes for the 2002-03 school year, by elementary school:

â022 Asher Holmes: 123 first-grade students with five teachers, or 24.6 pupils per class. In the 2001-02 school year there were 125 students with six teachers, or 20.8 pupils per class.

â022 Defino Central: 121 first-grade students with five teachers, or 24.2 pupils per class. In the 2001-02 school year there were 113 students with five teachers, or 22.6 pupils per class.

â022 Dugan: 124 students with four teachers, or 31 pupils per class. In the 2001-02 school year there were 111 students with five teachers, or 22.2 pupils per class.

â022 Marlboro Elementary: 120 students with four teachers, or 30 pupils per class. In the 2001-02 school year there were 109 students with five teachers, or 21.8 pupils per class.

â022 Robertsville: 143 students with six teachers, or 23.8 pupils per class. In the 2001-02 school year there were 122 students with six teachers, or 20.3 pupils per class.

The number of students anticipated to attend each school is a best-guess estimate, subject to change either way, according to Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc Gaswirth. However, the number of first-grade teachers assigned to each elementary school is not expected to change, he said.

With first grade projections, factors such as the number of pupils entering the public school district after having attended a private kindergarten render the true figures difficult to determine, according to Sharon Witchel, the district's public information officer

In total, as of last week, 631 first-grade students are projected to be taught by 24 teachers in the Marlboro school district, or slightly more than 26 students per class, during the 2002-03 school year. During the 2001-02 school year there were 580 first-graders taught by 27 teachers, or 21.5 pupils per class.

In the April school budget vote, Marlboro residents voted by an approximately 2-1 margin against the board's proposed budget for the coming school year. The budget called for a 12.6-cent raise per $100 of assessed valuation in the tax rate. Administrators said it marked the first time Marlboro's K-8 school budget was defeated by voters in 14 years.

The budget was then sent to the Township Council for review and cut by $738,000, or a 2.67-cent reduction in the proposed tax rate increase. Ultimately, school taxes will be raised by 9.93 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

Addressing the school board during a lengthy public session, resident Richard Isgard expressed worries about the district's first grade absorbing the brunt of teacher cuts. At that age of development student needs are more sensitive than at any other time, he said. Isgard also asked why there would be a disparity in class sizes from one school to another.

Board President Dr. Terry Spilken said the budget defeat took the power to control the situation out of the board's hands. There is always some disparity in the schools, he said, but unlike past years the board does not have the ability to adjust by hiring new teachers.

Abbott was handed a petition urging a solution to the problem, signed by about 100 parents of Marlboro Elementary School pupils. The superintendent is currently examining options of obtaining government aid and moving around teachers in order to balance class sizes. However, a final decision can't be made until the picture of actual enrollment numbers clears up in August. At the very least, Abbott said, he will level the class sizes in language arts and mathematics classes.

"I've given my word and it will happen," he said. "We'll have some resolution by August."

One parent said that if the importance of the school budget vote was known before Election Day she would have "pounded the pavement" and called friends to increase voter turnout. The board members were asked why they didn't specifically warn residents of the consequences of a budget defeat.

"We didn't do this by choice. The voters have spoken," said board member Martin Karasick. "I know your reaction; â018I'd be glad to pay that $5 (per month), give (the teachers) back.' "

Board members said they worked long and hard to create awareness about the budget's importance.

Spilken explained that laws prohibit school board members from trying to specifically influence the public's voting choices.

"This board has never taken a negative approach, going up and trying to scare parents" into voting for the budget, he said.

Discussion at some points dealt with possible alternative cuts. Speakers suggested reductions in administration, special education, foreign language and other programs, but were told those cuts would not be feasible.

Board member Murray Hoffman still held out hope that alternatives could be found.

"If we look hard and clear, I think we can do it," Hoffman said. "Instead of the mea culpas, let's do something about it."

Although the parents were upset, Abbott told them he was glad they had attended the meeting and said he hoped their interest in the situation would last until next April's vote. A few members of the public offered agreement to board members' assertions that apathy toward board meetings and elections was one of the causes of the budget's failure.

"Unless it affects you directly, you don't feel it," said Dianne Baccala, who serves as the Marlboro Elementary School PTA president. "And now that you feel it, you're all here."