Agenda - 05-26-1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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z 40 11 Recommendation 419: School size. Issue: How large should each unit become? What is the optimum student /teacher ratio? Background: The original size of each unit was predicated on a somewhat ar- bitrary number that was believed to represent the maximum number of students that could interact effectively together as a unit. The number was based fur- ther on the School's economic ability to compensate staff, acquire supplies, and maintain buildings in a rural setting without municipal services. Considerations: School experience suggests that social factors differ between units. For example, older students need a larger pool of potential friends, and diversity among students may require larger numbers. Parental and staff opinion concur that any expansion should not alter significantly the present ratios of staff to students (1:8) or of teachers to students (1:12). Of course, these ratios vary across activities and subjects, and between units. Recommendations: We recommend that the Early Schools remain at their current ' sizes. The Lower School, and Middle School enrollments should not change sub- stantially from their present budgeted levels of 120 and 126 respectively. The enrollment of the Upper School should grow gradually by about 25 students, to reach approximately 130. We recommend that with these increases, addi- tional hiring take place as necessary order to maintain current student /staff ratios. Res onsibilit : School administration. Time Frame: As soon as the physical plant and school facilities allow. Solutions Originated From: Thursday Meeting, Parents Survey, Staff, Long-Range Planning Committee. Recommendation #10: Revenue sources. Issue: What are alternatives to raising tuition in order to meet the school's ever - growing financial needs? Back round: CFS' budget relies primarily on tuition. In 1990 -91, 94% came from tuition and fees, 4% from the annual fund, 12 from endowment and grants and lx from interest income. Our primary expenditures are staff compensation at 76 %, 6% to tuition aid, 5% to maintenance, and the remaining 13% allotted to supplies, utilities and other occupancy expenses. The Board's top priority is raising staff salaries. In addition, unforeseen expenses, such as deferred maintenance projects or capital acquisitions, necessitate tuition increases which exceed annual inflation rates.