Our community's strength lies in its dedication to providing each child with the best possible education. But this commitment is under threat as our school board considers a proposal to increase classroom sizes for the coming academic year. 

Research consistently shows that smaller class sizes are crucial for effective learning environments. According to the National Education Association (NEA), students in smaller classes perform better in all subjects, demonstrate improved behavior, and show higher levels of engagement. These benefits are particularly pronounced in early education, where individual attention can significantly shape a child's future academic journey.

Given the importance of class size to student achievement, we are petitioning the District 58 Board of Education to:

(1) Maintain the current classroom sizes at Lester for grades K-5 taking into consideration each grade level’s number of registered students. 

(2) Allow our incredible teachers to properly advocate for their students in the current classroom sizes they have. 

This is not a criticism of our excellent teachers. We simply recognize that a teacher cannot possibly give the same level of attention to a child in a class of 28-30 that he or she could in a class of 19-22. 

Increasing class sizes may seem like a cost-saving measure, but it only jeopardizes the quality of education our children receive. Larger class sizes mean less one-on-one time between students and teachers, making it harder for teachers to address individual needs, identify issues early, and provide support where needed. This can lead to increased stress for both students and educators and ultimately result in lower academic outcomes.

Instead of opting for short-term budget cuts that could harm student achievement, we urge the school board to explore alternative solutions. These might include advocating for increased funding from state sources or implementing efficient resource management within the schools. Our children's education is an investment that should be prioritized over balancing budgets through detrimental cuts to meet individual needs, fostering a nurturing environment crucial for young learners.

Even more, there is substantial evidence that students in small classes completed third grade up to seven months ahead of their peers who attended large classes for four years in K-3. Even when children returned to larger class sizes in fourth grade, children in small classes earned higher high-school grades, were more likely to complete advanced academic classes, take college admissions tests, and ultimately graduate. Research on elementary education — the Tennessee STAR study — shows that smaller classes in grades K-3 are associated with better academic performance, stronger behavior outcomes, and more individualized instruction. The strongest benefits appear in the early elementary years and for students needing additional support. The STAR study compared classes of roughly 13-17 students to classes of 22-26 students and found significant advantages for students in smaller classes. Proposed class sizes near 30 students exceed the “regular-sized" classes used in many landmark studies.

Despite constraints on this year’s budget, we see that some areas are receiving increases. We believe that basic instruction for our kids in their critical early years should be an area of increase, not decrease, and at the very least, maintaining the current classroom sizes. We urge the Board of Education to make smaller K-5 class size a top budget priority.  

Children in kindergarten to 5th grade are at a formative stage of their educational journey. It's essential that they build a strong foundation with the full support and attention they deserve. By maintaining manageable class sizes, our schools can create an environment where every student is seen, heard, and valued.

We urge the Downers Grove School District 58 and School Board to reconsider their decision to increase class sizes at Lester.  Let's prioritize our children's education and give them the tools they need to thrive in a supportive learning atmosphere.

As Lester parents, families, teachers, administrators, and community members of Downers Grove, please sign this petition to protect the educational quality and opportunities for our children. It is so crucial, now more than ever. Together, we can make a change and ensure a brighter future for our children. Please sign and share this petition with others who care about the quality of education in our community.