Looking at individual classrooms one by one is a way to gain a better understanding of how bad the problem is, and where it is located. In Jacksonville, for example, school records show two-thirds of high school classrooms have fewer than 30 students. In middle schools, 31.5 percent of classes have more than 30 students. Mandarin Middle School has more than 30 students in 73 percent of its classrooms. Darnell-Cookman is close behind, with 69 percent.
Elementary schools are in much better shape.
Overall, only 3 percent have more than 30 students. Whitehouse, with nine of its 23 classes overloaded, is the most crowded. Of course, even 30 students may be more than desirable. But 30 surely is undesirable, with the exception of gym classes and other special situations. There is some flexibility in ''fitting'' students, such as adjusting boundary lines and the use of portables.