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UESF News
UESF Response to SFUSD Consideration of Increasing Kindergarten Class Size
Presented by UESF Executive Vice-President Linda PlackBoard of Education Meeting - March 24, 2009
I rise to speak to you tonight about this matter because it has contractual implications and is of great concern to our members and to the students we serve.
The proposal is to raise the student-to-teacher ratio for kindergarten and first grade classes. The union feels that not only is this a violation of our contract but that it is a terrible mistake. We are embarking on a strategic plan to assure equity and access, to provide a quality education for every child. Class size reduction is a reform that works. It is too valuable to let slip away. Yes, the penalties are lower this year but we are still getting CSR funds to run this program. We want you to know that this is a negotiable item and the union will strenuously object to the dismantling of this very positive program.
The union knows that enrollment is up. This is a good thing. In the past we have closed schools, it's time to re-open them. We have capacity. Starting in April there will be Federal stimulus money to refurbish our buildings. We should do that with that money. Right now parents are distracted by the student assignment issues. They will be very disappointed to know that the K-3 CSR is being dismantled. We urge you to retreat from this proposal.
Kindergarten in San Francisco is not a place to go to play. Expectations are high and yet there are students who enter the classroom months before they are five years old, while some can already read, there are youngsters who do not know their colors or their numbers. There are students who don't speak English. There are students who have not had a quality pre-school experience. This is where the achievement gap begins in SFUSD. In our dedication to eliminate this gap we must not make this mistake. Those of us who are parents know that having one child is demanding. And when our second child arrives the increase in what is required to care for them is incredible. That is no less true in the classroom. Adding two more students is a big change to the class.
Stay true to your strategic plan. Don't balance the books by putting our students at risk.
Thank you.
