School Requests Waiver on Class Size
The GCISD School Board on Sept. 9 approved a request to the Texas Education Agency for a maximum class size waiver for the first grade, which would allow a student-teacher ratio of 24 to 1. Without a waiver, the largest ratio allowed is 22 to 1. According to the compliance plan filed with the request, the first grade total was 24 on Sept. 6, above the expected number of 22 estimated at the end of the last school year.
However, the overall campus enrollment had declined 11 percent since September 2001. The plan states that one teacher is teaching the district's 24 first graders with the support of at least one district staff member during reading/language arts, math and science/social studies. The plan continues by saying a waiver will allow the school to see if this class continues to grow, declines like the campus trend, or stabilizes above 24. If necessary, the school will also have to apply for a waiver in the spring semester. Elementary School Principal Brad Jones reported to the board that the first grade is doing well overall.
Elementary Enrollment Down 11 Percent
Jones reported an enrollment of 150 in K-6, down 18 from this time last year, and 153 in grades 7-12, down by 2 students.
Long said the school had cash reserves of $2.6 million at last year's audit, and should have $3 million at this year’s.
The school now has a sign-in sheet for those who want to speak to the board in its open forum, and a group will need to designate a spokesperson.
Long said the new Bearkat bus is doing well, and that the old one was sold to O"Donnell for $12,000.
Garden City will host the elementary school UIL meet on Dec. 3. It will be a one-day event beginning at 8 a.m., with ready-writing done ahead at each school's home campus.