ATLANTA — The Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education approved a waiver Thursday which would allow the district to exceed maximum class size requirements.
The decision was made quickly, and brought a firestorm from parents in the audience.
Channel 2’s Rachel Stockman was the only TV reporter inside a special meeting tonight. One parent sounded off against the board, saying they felt parents’ input was not included in the decision.
The waiver means class sizes could increase, but board members say it doesn’t mean they will increase. In an APS school presentation, they gave an example of what the waiver could mean for different classes. For example, the state maximum for kindergarten is 20 students. The waiver would allow for up to 25 students.
“The decision does not increase the class size automatically,” said Dr. Meria Carstarphen, superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools. “It just gives some flexibility as we go into our planning to say if we want to change that number we can, over time.”
The special meeting was called for Thursday, and lasted two minutes. Many parents say they felt they were left out of the loop.
“It feels sneaky. I don’t think it was done with the best interests in mind,” said parent Kristian Schwartz.
Schwartz attended the meeting with his two daughters, and says he was shocked by what happened.
“I know government and once you open the door, the door swings open,” Schwartz said.
District leaders say the waiver has been in place for several years, and school districts across the state utilize similar waivers.
“It gives principals flexibility within their individual schools to determine the shape of their classes,” said Courtney English, Board Chair for Atlanta Public Schools.
If the district doesn’t get the waiver, they would likely have to hire more teachers, which could cost millions of dollars.
WSBTV
