Therefore, the plan from the board of directors for the initial year reflects our strong desire to maintain a level of service that we have enjoyed in this district. It is the intent of the board to ensure that its initial plan remain sensitive to the fact that Initiative 728 funds may well have to be employed to offset program reductions in areas such as class size and staff development resulting from legislative cutbacks. With the above-mentioned parameters that guide the development of this plan, the board is submitting the prioritized list appearing below for public hearing at its regularly scheduled board meeting of Monday, April 23. The Auburn School District has prioritized small class sizes for over two decades. The district currently enjoys additional funding resources to address smaller class sizes through vehicles such as the better schools funds.
Class sizes vary based on subject area.
While future funds may be used to further lower these ratios, factors of available teacher candidates, space, and program configuration must be analyzed. The Auburn School District can use Initiative 728 funds to enhance further achievement by extending the primary day. Currently, first and second graders in the Auburn School District come to school 40 minutes later than students in grades three through five. By extending the primary day to the same length as third through fifth graders, the district s first and second graders would have extended time every day to focus on achievement, especially achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics. Reading is the basic building block for education.