ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst parents are making their views known on increasing class sizes in some local schools. They say more than 500 people have signed a petition to that effect.
The petition started with Lincoln Elementary. Parents expressed concern that the school was dividing its third graders into three classrooms, rather than four. That means third-grade class sizes are moving up to 27 next year, from 20, they said.
The Lincoln parents found interest elsewhere in Elmhurst School District 205. At Edison Elementary, the district has heard concerns about increased class sizes among second graders, with sizes reported to be rising to 26 and 27.
Districtwide, Elmhurst's average class size was 24 in the 2023-24 school year, which is the latest data available. That compares with a statewide average of 21. Elmhurst's number has increased over the years.
In the 1990s, class sizes became a big issue nationwide. Proponents of smaller classes argued that reductions would bring more individualized attention and thus better student performance.
Petition organizers point to a Tennessee study that shows smaller classes performed better in reading and math and had improved long-term academic and life outcomes
The petition calls for reinstating the fourth section of third grade at local elementary schools and committing to class sizes of, ideally, 19 to 22.
The school's spokeswoman did not return a message for comment Wednesday morning.
At Tuesday's school board meeting, two Lincoln parents, Michelle McArdle and Dara Agruss, spoke out for smaller class sizes.
McArdle questioned why one of the wealthiest school districts in the state had larger sizes. She also pointed out the district was one of only a handful across Illinois that received the state's lowest financial rating last fall.
Additionally, she noted the district's property tax levy rose another $7.5 million this year.
"We're paying more than ever in property taxes," McArdle said. "Elmhurst is a popular choice for young families, and we all know the main factor in where to raise a family is quality schools. We need smaller classroom sizes. We need accountability for this poor financial rating."
Agruss, who taught for a dozen years, said the larger class sizes were a disservice to students and teachers. She said she agreed with those who say having a well-trained teacher is the most important factor in a child's education. But she said such a teacher has a limited effect with a larger class.
"The community is very clear about what we want," Agruss said. "We value small class sizes."
In an interview with Patch, Agruss said she and others met with top school officials about the issue. She said they advanced the argument about teacher quality being the most important factor, downplaying class sizes.
"It's the administration we need to sway," she said.
Classrooms are available at Lincoln, which was rebuilt three years ago, and the district has money on hand, Agruss said.
She noted the $168 million referendum that voters passed in 2018. It included about $30 million for the new Lincoln.
"I would rather send my kid to a dingy, old Lincoln with 20 in a class rather than a brand-new, shiny school with 27 in the class," Agruss said.
She said many of the signatures on the petition were from Lincoln and Edison parents, but also those from every other school.
Here are the 2023-24 average class sizes:
School | Average class size |
Batavia D101 | 23 |
Barrington D220 | 21 |
Elmhurst D205 | 24 |
Indian Prairie D204 | 27 |
St. Charles D303 | 22 |
Wheaton D200 | 23 |
Statewide | 21 |
Note: Elmhurst District 205 uses the selected districts for comparison purposes.