Why has RVSD raised class sizes?  We hear this question a lot and the simple truth is, we haven't.  The chart above shows our total district enrollment as of the tenth day of school (September 10, 2015).  As the data indicates, our K-3rd class size averages are at 20.24 and our 4th-5th grade class size averages stand at 24.22.  This is in spite of the fact that RVSD is funded by the state of California, at 24:1 in K-3rd and 30:1 in 4th-5th.  Overall our K-5th enrollment averages 21.57, which is the best it has been in several years.

At middle school it becomes a little more difficult to calculate exact class size averages, but we've shown above the average class size taking into consideration only the number of staff teaching core subjects (English, math, social studies and science).  Had we included the staff who teach electives, the average class sizes would have dropped below what is shown.  The bottom line at WHMS is that overall class size averages are below 30:1, which is where we are funded by the state.

So why does there seem to be a belief that RVSD raised class sizes?  Well, it's probably because last year when we discussed enrollment and staffing, we referred to the district's prior decision (pre 2014-15) to maximize or "cap" classes at 24:1 in K-3rd and 30:1 in 4th-5th.  As we can see from the chart above, establishing class size maximums does not automatically translate into higher class sizes.  This is because students don't all come in nice neat groups of 24 or 30.

That said, the numbers above also indicate there are variances among schools and grades with regard to enrollment.  For example, Brookside first grade and Wade Thomas fifth grade currently have class size averages that are close to (but not at or exceeding) the enrollment maximums.  Again, this is to be expected given we cannot predict where families will reside.

Will these numbers change throughout the coming months?  Yes, it is likely the numbers will change as families move into and/or out of the district.  But typically we do not see large swings in student enrollment so while there will be some variance from the above numbers, we expect it will be minimal.  Also, in cases where class size maximums have been reached, new enrolling students will be directed to other schools where class sizes are still well below maximum levels.