Hard To Swallow! Parents In San Juan Capistrano Fight Increase In Class Sizes

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO (CBS) — For the second time in two years, concerned parents in San Juan Capistrano are expressing concern with proposed increases in their children's class sizes.

The San Juan Capistrano School Board says they have to consider larger class sizes in kindergarten through third as well as other measures to bridge a huge budget gap.

Parent Julie Collier thinks the increased class size is asking too much of teachers and students. "I have two children in CUSD. In terms of their future, I'm concerned that they might have negative consequences towards their education. I'm here as an empowered parent."

The matter was "Item #7" on the board's agenda at a meeting this evening.

Jeff Nguyen, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, says the issue was tabled until the board's next meeting on May 14.

CUSD spokesperson Marcus Walton explained why the discussion was put off for a few weeks. "It wasn't placed on the agenda as a public hearing item and it needed to do so to meet the statute placed on the school district by law."

Four of seven board members need to vote affirmative for the increased class size waiver to go to the California State Board of Education for approval.

The district would also have to strike a deal with the teacher's union.

Terri Mostert is a parent —  and a teacher. She says adding 5 or 6 students into an already crowded classroom can be overwhelming for teacher and students, alike.

"Classroom management is the most important thing to teacher," Mostert says. "If you can't manage your classroom, your kids cannot learn effectively. And with many more children, yes, it would be extremely difficult."