Petition: I urge the Board of Trustees of the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District to ensure that all TK-3rd grade classes will be capped at 25 students in order to ensure a quality education for all students.

Support Our Students, Community, and Educators "Research shows that students in the early grades perform better in small classes. This is especially the case for students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds" (click link). To ensure small classes for our students, Belmont-Redwood Shores voters even passed the 2014 Measure I Bond which states that "...the Board of Trustees determines that the District must: (iv) prevent classroom overcrowding and increased class size to ensure the high quality of education at all of our schools" (click link).

Background: Since the recession, class sizes for the youngest students in Belmont-Redwood Shores have been capped at 25. This year, the school district has put 26 students in all TK classes and two first grade classes and would like to be able to raise class sizes to 27. However, the teachers have a contract with the district calling for a maximum 25:1 in TK-3 with a goal of 20:1. We want class size in TK-3 to be capped at 25. Why is this happening? The district is trying to cut costs. In order to do that, the district has interpreted the teachers’ contract to only guarantee an average of 25:1 at each elementary site in TK-3rd grade. Unfortunately, averaging allows some classes to be overcrowded. What are teachers doing? Each teacher with 26 students has filed a grievance, which the district has denied. BRSFA has attempted to negotiate a compromise with the district, but teachers are not willing to have 27 students in TK-3 classes. It’s just too many students. With the support of the California Teachers Association, BRSFA has filed an unfair labor practice with the Public Employee Relations Board against the district.

How can you help? Stand up with the teachers to fight increased class size by signing and sharing this petition on social media, "liking" us at www.facebook.com/brsfa, and emailing your concerns to the School Board here. Additionally, tell your child’s teacher if you can attend, speak, and/or bring your TK-1 child to the next school board meeting on March 23 at 6:15pm (2960 Hallmark Drive, Belmont, CA 94002). Please visit brsfa.org or email president@brsfa.org for more information.