Increased class sizes--what can I do?

[Anonymous]

As a parent with children in MCPS, I'm not happy about increased class sizes. To whom should I complain (besides this board)?

[Anonymous]

County Council and BOE. But they will do what they want to do, and find a way to place blame on everyone but themselves.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. Agreed that they'll probably do what they want, but I think we have to try...

Any other ideas?

[Anonymous]

The increased size is based on Gov. Hogan's cuts, right? So is the idea to complain to the BOE that they should have absorbed the cuts through something other than class size?

[Anonymous]

I have such little knowledge about how anything works. Would it make sense to complain directly to the Governor?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The increased size is based on Gov. Hogan's cuts, right? So is the idea to complain to the BOE that they should have absorbed the cuts through something other than class size?

Yes, that is exactly what you do. Hogan did not cut the budget, he just didn't give them the bloated increase they want. The school knew where to attack to get parents to complain to Hogan. Teacher/student ratio. It is a shitty school district that has enough overhead to cut to keep the teachers.

[Anonymous]

Go private - they do not care what you think.

[Anonymous]

Get out the vote for candidates who are willing to raise taxes on the rich and on corporations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go private - they do not care what you think.

DH and I both graduated MCPS. The school district has changed so much. Our kids are now in private due to class sizes. I just don't understand how one adult can be expected to teach at differentiated levels, monitor behavior, document for IEPs, tie shoes and help with bathroom accidents, plan, grade, and meet with parents for 26-38 kids.

[Anonymous]

The office of the Chief Engagement and Partnership Officer has 29 employees. Think any of those positions should be reassigned as classroom teachers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Go private - they do not care what you think.

DH and I both graduated MCPS. The school district has changed so much. Our kids are now in private due to class sizes. I just don't understand how one adult can be expected to teach at differentiated levels, monitor behavior, document for IEPs, tie shoes and help with bathroom accidents, plan, grade, and meet with parents for 26-38 kids.

Its simple, they don't. I went to MCPS too and we are going private. Never thought I'd put my kids in private.

[Anonymous]

Move to Cold Spring. Class size is 16 per class. It's great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The office of the Chief Engagement and Partnership Officer has 29 employees. Think any of those positions should be reassigned as classroom teachers?

You know, if someone at the Washington Post who covers education wanted to get their hands on a really good story that would make a name for him/ herself, they should look into this. WTH does the Chief of Engagement and Partnership need a staff of 29 people for?

Of course, that would require proactive work on the part of the Post, which may be asking too much.

Any really good, informed bloggers out there?

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the suggestions, though I don't intend to go private or move--and many cannot afford to do so.

If anybody else cares to write to the governor, contact info is here:
http://governor.maryland.gov/contact-the-governors-office/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Go private - they do not care what you think.

DH and I both graduated MCPS. The school district has changed so much. Our kids are now in private due to class sizes. I just don't understand how one adult can be expected to teach at differentiated levels, monitor behavior, document for IEPs, tie shoes and help with bathroom accidents, plan, grade, and meet with parents for 26-38 kids.

That's because the county has changed so much. There seem to be plenty of people who wish that Montgomery County were still an affluent white bedroom suburb, but the reality is that it is 2015, not 1980.