C2017-2018 Class Size Report 2017-12-4

2:30 p.m.

Background Information:

Class Size Enrollment Report.  The annual Class Size Enrollment Report has always been an important data set because it provides a cross check with student projections and staffing decisions.  The size and configuration of our schools makes comparisons difficult.  It is important to view each school individually, as well as compare schools of similar size and configurations.  This report is of particular importance given the difficult budgetary constraints the state, borough and district face.

In addition to the class Size Report, information is included that lists the Number of Sections for each school and the corresponding size range; a Class Size comparison by year for the last five years; a Comparison of Pupil Teacher Ratios (PTR); and an Average Annual Class Size for Core Classes.  Additionally, there are summary reports for Average Annual Class size for Core Classes and Advanced Placement classes.  The PTR comparison is one way to look at equitable staffing in all our schools.  The information provided in the report displays individual school sites on the exact date of October 2, 2017.

Please note, only general education classes are included in this count.  Additionally, in the communities of Kenai, Nikiski, Seward, Soldotna and Homer, schools were placed in similar tables.  For the purpose of analysis, we elected to group schools in the same way that the Human Resources Department does for staffing purposes.  The groupings are as follows:

• Large high schools
• Middle schools
• Elementary and K-8 schools
• Small schools
• Other schools

Please keep in mind that whenever data is aggregated, there is a risk in making unfair comparisons.  for instance, it is far more difficult to staff smaller schools because they are inherently less efficient to operate than larger schools.