Ashland School District values the input of our families in the Ashland School District. We have engaged families in important discussions about our policies and practices in regard to the on-going challenges of managing class sizes.  Based on input and our continued research, our class size management practices are aimed at helping us sustain and improve the learning opportunities for our students.  Therefore, we use class size targets and maximums to exercise greater control and management of class sizes. We are confident that these tools will result in consistently lower class sizes.

Class size targets and maximums are set to emphasis the importance of maintaining teacher-student ratios at a range that supports the student learning goals of the district. When a grade level average exceeds targets and/or maximums, the school's principal will work collaboratively with the Assistant Superintendent and Human Resources, to recommend possible solutions to the Superintendent. The Superintendent will make the final decision in an increase in staffing is warranted.

MID YEAR MOVE-INS TO DISTRICT

Due to high enrollment at some elementary grade levels, the District may require a transfer of new students to a school other than their neighborhood school to balance class sizes and provide all children equitable opportunity.

Families who enroll a K-5 student in Ashland School District after the start of the school year will be able to attend their neighborhood school IF elementary class size maximums have not been reached. If class size levels become unbalanced among the elementary schools , new students may be temporarily placed in another Ashland elementary school with lower class size for the current school year.

In the spring, displaced students will receive enrollment priority to return to their neighborhood school the following school year, as space allows. Your school will not be able to tell you whether space is available. After completing registration at your neighborhood school, if the class size maximums have been met for the grade of your student, your file will be transferred to Student Services to determine where your child may attend. Student Services aim is to contact you the same day you complete registration with placement information or within 24 hours when same day contact is not possible. Failure to provide all required documents to your neighborhood school will delay placement notification.

If you are displaced from your neighborhood school, transportation will be provided for the duration of the school year unless you reside within one mile from your assigned school. You may choose to provide your own transportation. If space is offered for the following year at t he child’s neighborhood school, you may opt to continue at t he school where you child is enrolled, but may need to provide transportation unless an existing bus with space is already available. Availability may change mid-year due to changes in routes and ridership.

Because we recognize the challenges attending a non-neighborhood school can present, our goal is for all elementary students to attend their neighborhood school whenever possible. If you have unique circumstances that you would like us to consider, please discuss them with the Assistant Superintendent, who can be contacted at 541-482-2438. Placement decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.