10-8-24

To the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District Board of Education,

We, the undersigned parents and community members of Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District, are writing to express our concerns regarding the size of our kindergarten and primary grade classrooms, which currently average 28 students per class at Hahn Elementary. This number far exceeds the California Department of Education’s recommended maximum of 24 students per classroom in grades K-3.

The Importance of Smaller Class Sizes for Young Learners
Research consistently shows that smaller class sizes, especially in grades K-3, lead to better academic outcomes, improved student behavior, and more individualized attention. Nearby districts, such as Rincon Valley Union and Petaluma City Schools, maintain class sizes within the 20-24 student range, creating environments where teachers can focus on each child’s unique needs. For example, Rincon Valley’s average class size is between 20-24 students, and Petaluma’s average is 21 students per class. These districts provide models that CRPUSD could follow to improve both academic performance and social development for our children.

The Tennessee STAR Study, a landmark research project, demonstrated that students in smaller classrooms (13-17 students) achieved higher test scores and long-term success, including higher graduation rates. These benefits are particularly pronounced in younger grades, where early literacy and numeracy skills form the foundation for future academic success​(California Department of Education Kidsdata.org).

Impact of Teacher Burnout
Large class sizes not only negatively affect students but also contribute to teacher burnout. According to research by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), overcrowded classrooms significantly increase teacher stress levels, making it harder to manage diverse learning needs. Burnout leads to decreased instructional quality, higher teacher turnover, and overall instability in the learning environment​(Kidsdata.org )​(California Department of Education). Overburdened teachers struggle to provide the individualized support that young children require, especially in foundational years like kindergarten and early elementary.

Increased Enrollment and Budget Impact
We recognize that enrollment in Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District has increased to 6,595 students in the 2023-2024 school year, a positive change compared to recent years. This growth should result in increased state funding, as California’s public school funding is directly tied to average daily attendance. With more students enrolled, the district has an opportunity to use these additional funds to reduce class sizes, particularly in the critical early grades.

It's worth noting that despite declining enrollments in other nearby districts, such as Rincon Valley Union and Petaluma City Schools, they still maintain smaller class sizes in their K-3 classrooms, ranging between 20-24 students per teacher. This shows that it is possible to prioritize smaller class sizes even in times of financial strain or declining enrollment. We believe CRPUSD can adopt similar measures to ensure our students receive the individualized attention they need to thrive.

Proposed Solutions and Reallocation of Funds
We understand the district is currently facing a budget deficit. However, there are practical solutions to prioritize smaller class sizes without compromising other essential services:

Reevaluate Non-Instructional Spending: Streamlining administrative costs or reducing spending on external contracts could free up funds for additional teaching staff. This would reduce classroom size without affecting core services.
Pause Non-Essential Capital Projects: Delaying non-essential facility upgrades, such as cosmetic improvements, could allow the district to allocate more resources towards hiring teachers or aides in the short term.
Maximize Grant and Federal Funding: CRPUSD should actively pursue educational grants that target reducing class sizes or enhancing student achievement. By leveraging state and federal funds for high-needs students, general funds can be used to support smaller classrooms.
Utilize Reserve Funds Temporarily: While not a long-term solution, reserve funds could be used to hire additional teachers or aides to alleviate current class size challenges, allowing time for a more sustainable solution to be developed.
Increase Teaching Aides: Hiring additional teaching aides is a cost-effective strategy that could support teachers by managing classroom dynamics, enabling more personalized instruction even in larger groups.
Call to Action
We respectfully request the board to take immediate action on the following:

Prioritize hiring more teachers and aides for kindergarten and primary grades.
Reassess current classroom structures and staffing to align with California’s recommended class size ratios.
Engage with the community and neighboring districts to explore successful models for reducing class sizes, particularly those implemented in Rincon Valley and Petaluma.
The benefits of smaller classrooms extend beyond academic outcomes; they foster a healthier, more effective learning environment and support our teachers in delivering high-quality education. We urge you to consider these benefits for both students and teachers, and to commit to improving the classroom environment for the youngest members of our community.

The Importance of Competitive Class Sizes to Retain and Attract Families

As enrollment increases, it is essential for Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District to remain competitive with nearby districts by maintaining smaller class sizes. Parents today have choices, and many will choose schools that prioritize individual attention and the overall learning environment for their children. Districts like Rincon Valley Union, Santa Rosa City Schools and Petaluma City Schools have continued to maintain smaller class sizes, even in the face of declining enrollment. This shows a clear commitment to educational quality and student success.

If CRPUSD does not take immediate steps to lower class sizes in the early grades, families may begin to explore other educational options, potentially leading to decreased enrollment in future years. The increased enrollment this year offers a unique opportunity to showcase the district's commitment to excellence, but it must be followed by actions that prove to parents that their children are receiving the best education possible.

Families will continue to have a voice in this matter, and if no meaningful changes are made, we could see a drop-off in enrollment as parents move their children to districts that offer smaller, more manageable class sizes. This trend is already happening in some districts, where parents actively choose schools that provide better student-teacher ratios and more individualized attention.

By addressing class sizes now, CRPUSD can position itself as a district that not only values education but also listens to its community and actively works to provide an environment where students can thrive. This will ensure that parents feel confident in keeping their children within the district and encourage new families to join.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Sincerely,