Dear Edgemont Neighbors,
I want to take a moment to share several important updates delivered by Edgemont School Board President Jennifer DeMarrais during her President’s Report at the April 8 Board of Education meeting. Her remarks focused on clarifying several topics that have been the subject of community conversation and previewing opportunities for engagement in the months ahead.
Class Sizes
President DeMarrais directly addressed concerns raised about class sizes, particularly at Seely Place Elementary School. She affirmed that the district is not increasing its class size thresholds. Those thresholds — 22 students for kindergarten through second grade, 24 for grades three through six, and 25 for Edgemont Junior-Senior High School (except for physical education) — are long-established and part of the agreement with the Edgemont Teachers Association.
She explained that while Seely’s current second grade is divided into three sections of 16 students each, next year’s third grade is proposed to move to two sections of 23–24 students, which aligns with the next-level class size standard. She emphasized that this shift is not about reducing costs or cutting staff, but about maintaining equity in how sections are allocated across grade levels and schools. She noted that while Seely’s third grade will move from three sections to two, Seely will be adding a class section in sixth grade next year to accommodate higher enrollment in that class.
DeMarrais acknowledged that there are sensitivities around this change and expressed openness to a broader community discussion about whether to revisit Edgemont’s class size targets — taking into account enrollment, facilities, and long-term sustainability.
Artificial Turf Project
DeMarrais provided a brief update on the artificial turf included in the capital improvements bond approved by voters in October 2024. She shared that bonds have been issued and bids accepted, and clarified that the district cannot make material changes to the scope of work approved by voters at this stage.
Site Access and Safety Improvements
While the district opted not to include road or access improvements in last year’s capital plan, DeMarrais announced that the conversation is expected to resume soon. The first step will be a community survey to gather input on how best to approach site access improvements — particularly those aimed at ensuring emergency access to school buildings.
As always, I encourage residents to stay informed, ask questions, and take part in these conversations as they unfold. Thank you for your continued engagement in the important work of strengthening our schools and community.
Sincerely,
Dylan F. Pyne
President, Edgemont Community Council