Enrollment Update from the Wayne Schools – Three Grades ‘Close’ to Reaching Limits

WAYNE, NJ – Assistant Superintendent Donna Reichman provided an update of enrollment status in the Wayne Township elementary schools during this past Board of Education meeting, saying that the schools are “currently watching three sections,” that are coming close to reaching approved class size limits.

Early in the July Wayne school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Mark Toback gave his administrative report which was quick and mentioned the business office preparing for the annual audit, and that the facilities department continues with improvements at all the schools.

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He then touched on enrollment concerns

“I know that one of the big issues that we're dealing with is enrollment and classroom size,” he said by way of introduction. “And I know that many people in the community are concerned.”

He then asked Reichman to give the update, which the Board of Ed Trustees had requested.

“This evening, I just wanted to address the concerns about the elementary class sizes,” she said. “We have heard [concerns] from a few parents, but, at this time, there have been no classes that have exceeded the board recommended class size limit.”

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Not yet at least, Reichman admitted.

She talked about “adjustments” that have been made with students moving in and out of the district and even some students “moving around within the district.” There are “a number of requests” for students “to go to different schools” within the Wayne school district and “a number of requests” for students to remain in homeschooling.

Reichman said that these requests would be “considered by” the Education Committee.

“We're currently watching three sections,” she then added, naming: the fourth grade at both Theunis Dey and Lafayette Elementary Schools, as well as the second grade at Lafayette Elementary.

“We have not exceeded the board approved class size limit yet,” she added. “But we are close to it. So, we'll continue to monitor enrollment daily.”

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for August 15 at the Council Chambers in Town Hall. At this meeting, Reichman told BOE Trustees that the administration “will provide a more comprehensive class size” update and possibly have “some recommendations if we were to go over in any of these areas.”

“I know it’s a concern,” she said in conclusion, “But classroom instruction is our priority, and we'll make it a top priority throughout the summer.”

TAPinto will continue to follow this story.

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