The proposed Fairfax County schools budget contains $2 million to shrink elementary school class sizes in the McLean and Langley pyramid.  Based on publicly available information, Haycock Elementary School has the highest student-to-teacher ratio of any elementary school in our cluster, with an average class size of almost 26 kids per class.  In reality, over 50% of our classes have over 25 kids; 30% have 30 or more.  Class sizes of these proportions result in a sub-optimal learning environment for students and overworked and frustrated teachers and staff as evidenced by recently completed parent and teacher surveys. 

As parents of Haycock students, we respectfully request that the School Board approve in its final 2012/2013 budget the proposed $2 million in set-aside reserve funds to address class size.  In addition, we request that these funds go to those schools with the greatest need, i.e., schools with an average class size greater than 25.  More specifically, we request that the School Board direct funds to Haycock Elementary School sufficient to reduce class sizes. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Haycock Elementary School Parents

Links