Classroom Space Issues for Orting Schools

October 22, 2015

Dear Orting Staff and Community Members:

Over the past five years, Orting School District has steadily increased student enrollment from approximately 2,300 students to 2,430 students. We have witnessed the growth of our neighborhoods with new residential developments and the opportunities for families to discover a close-knit, attractive and affordable community to put down roots.

While it is exciting to see our community grow, it has also placed a strain on our limited classroom space. Our target class sizes are 24 students grades K-3, 28 students grades 4-5, and an average of 140 students grades 6 -12. The district has added classrooms over the last several years, including all-day kindergarten for all students. This school year we added an additional 1st grade, 2nd grade and 4th grade. We still have 28 classes in the district who are over the targeted class size by one or more students. Unfortunately, our issue is our lack of classroom space.

We are working on this issue in three ways:
1. Immediate remedies for 2015-2016 school year
We have balanced classes and offered remedies to support students and teachers (additional paraeducator support, teacher release time for planning, and supplemental pay).
2. PK-5 Interim solution beginning 2016-2017 school year
Community and staff input meetings are scheduled to share enrollment, projected growth, and available instructional spaces. We will then gather input for solutions. A sub-committee will draft a detailed plan to be recommended for implementation beginning 2016-2017.
3. PK-12 Long-term planning
A community and staff citizens committee will gather information and determine long-term facility needs.

It is important for all Orting School District stakeholders to be involved. There are several opportunities for involvement:
• Community input meeting for PK-5 interim solution November 23, 2015 from 6:00-7:30, District Office Board and Training Room
• Staff input meeting for PK-5 interim solution December 11, 2015 2:00-3:30, PtR Elementary School
• K-5 Interim solution sub-committee (will be formed at the November 23rd, 2015 input meeting)
• Long-term planning Citizens Committee

If you are interested in serving on the interim or long-term planning committee, please email Jill Garcia in the Superintendent’s Office at garciaj@orting.wednet.edu.

We look forward to working collaboratively with our staff, parents and community to find ways to address our classroom capacity and overall student enrollment growth. I know we are all unified in our vision for high-quality, safe, and enjoyable learning environments that support our students and educators.

Thank you for your commitment to our students and schools! Sincerely,

Dr. Marci Shepard Superintendent Orting School District