We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the Nutley School District’s decision to reduce the number of 5th grade classes for the 2025–2026 school year at Washington Elementary School.

This decision directly impacts the current 4th grade cohort—already a large group with a wide range of academic and behavioral needs—by increasing class sizes to 27–28 students.

These students have faced multiple disruptions in their education: they began their learning journey during the COVID pandemic, are now being placed in overcrowded classrooms, and are also being affected by the district’s decision to move 6th grade to the middle school.

The compounding effect of these changes has created significant challenges to their learning and development. Many are already falling behind, and this latest decision will only further jeopardize their progress.

Overcrowded classrooms place an undue burden on teachers, strain classroom management, and erode the quality of education and support every child deserves.

We demand full transparency from the Nutley School District and call on them to immediately reverse this decision. Reinstate a fourth 5th grade class to ensure a safe, equitable, and supportive learning environment for all students—especially those who have already endured so much.

We demand transparency from the district and urge them to reconsider this decision immediately!

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