Petition to Return to and Protect Small Class Sizes at Tularcitos Elementary

Tularcitos Elementary is experiencing rapid enrollment growth, and families are concerned that projected class sizes may increase beyond what best supports student learning. Smaller classrooms allow teachers to provide individualized attention, support diverse learning needs, and maintain the strong learning environment our school community values.

By signing below, families and community members are asking Carmel Unified School District leadership to take proactive steps to maintain manageable class sizes at Tularcitos.

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Dear Carmel Unified School District Leadership,

We, the families of Tularcitos Elementary School, are writing to share our collective interest in maintaining small, supportive classroom environments for our students. As enrollment continues to grow on our campus, we respectfully ask the district to take proactive steps to reduce projected class sizes for the upcoming school year.

Our school community is experiencing enrollment growth that is not being seen elsewhere within Carmel Unified School District or across much of the Monterey Peninsula. We are proud of Tularcitos and grateful that so many families want to be part of this special school community. As engaged families, we are closely following enrollment trends and planning discussions because we care deeply about maintaining the learning environment that makes this school so special.

While projected class sizes may fall within state-allowed maximums, those limits were established decades ago and do not fully reflect the realities of today’s classrooms. Student needs have evolved significantly:

• 1 in 9 children (11%) are diagnosed with ADHD

• 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Nearly 15% of public school students receive special education services

• English Language Learners and post-pandemic academic recovery needs continue to grow

Smaller class sizes allow teachers to provide more individualized instruction, identify learning challenges earlier, and support both academic and social-emotional development. Maintaining manageable class sizes also helps sustain teacher effectiveness and prevent burnout, ensuring students receive the high-quality instruction our community values.

Supporting smaller class sizes aligns with the Carmel Unified School District’s goals within the CUSD Forward Strategic Plan, including strong student achievement, student wellness, safe learning environments, and meaningful partnerships with families.

Taking proactive steps now to manage enrollment growth will help preserve the program quality and supportive learning environment that make Tularcitos such a valued school community.

We respectfully ask the district to:

• Reevaluate projected class sizes for the upcoming school year

• Provide transparent student-to-teacher ratios

• Explore opportunities to allocate additional staffing where appropriate

We appreciate your leadership and look forward to continuing to work together in support of our students. Our families remain committed to staying engaged and participating in district conversations to help ensure the best outcomes for Tularcitos students and teachers.

Sincerely,

Tularcitos Families, Alumni Families, and Community Members Supporting Small Class Sizes.