Colfax school staff, parents hash out first grade class size

A record low enrollment for first graders has Colfax school staff and parents struggling with a class size that could be too large for one teacher but too small for two.

Staff are seeking options to downsize the existing class of 28 or change teaching duties.

The total first grade class in Colfax was predicted by the administration to be 24 students this year; 28 ended up enrolling.

The extra four students stretch the teacher-to-student ratio and parents at a school board meeting Monday protested the size, saying it strains learning and presents safety issues.

First-grade teacher Bev Stubbers has been teaching the class with the help of one part-time aide since school began Aug. 31.

Generally, a typical class of first graders is between 21 to 25 students. The elementary school usually enrolls between 30 to 50 first graders total, but had a low enrollment last year and this year.

Enrollment in the school district is declining as a whole.

Superintendent Michael Morgan said the school has several options. The two most likely are to hire another part-time aide to work in the classroom with Stubbers.

This would equal an almost full-time position to help manage the class.

A second option would be to have one certified teacher spend an hour a day in Stubber’s classroom for extra help. Both options would cost about $10,000 for the entire school year.

Other ideas include splitting the class into two classes of 14 or making one combined classroom between first and second graders.

Morgan, Jennings Principal Tom Arlt and other school staffers are scheduled to meet today, Thursday, with parents of the students in the class to go over the options and explain the district’s situation.

“I’m appreciating the help and input I’m getting. We’re working hard to try to work out the best thing for the kids,” Stubbers told the Gazette.

A class size of 28 for first graders is high and not the ideal, but it is increasingly common for schools in these financially strained times, according to Brian Moore, principal at Franklin Elementary in Pullman.

Moore’s school has two first grade classrooms, each with 22 students. They have another group of the first graders in a combined class with second graders.

Moore said he wasn’t surprised to learn a school would have a class with an enrollment that high.

“I’ve seen lots of classes at 28. I’d say it’s not ideal, but it’s realistic,” Moore said.

Pullman’s Sunnyside Elementary has three first grade classes with 21, 23 and 24 students.