Franklin County School System
“Preparing Students for the Challenges of Tomorrow”
August 20, 2009
State Board of Education
Superintendent Kathy Cox
2053 Twin Towers East
205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30334
Dear Superintendent Cox and State School Board of Education Members:
Due to the economic downturn and precipitous decline of revenue, the Franklin County School
System seeks a class size waiver to deflect costs of operation. The school system continues to
experience rapid growth especially in the elementary grades (grades 3-5 EIP) and secondary
grades (alternative education). The Franklin County Board of Education has determined that the
school system cannot continue to sustain educational programs at the existing level of operation
at the present rate of state and local revenues.
In order to balance reduction of operation costs and continue to maximize student achievement,
the Franklin County Board of Education has approved the attached resolution to increase
maximum class size and seeks the approval of the State Board of Education. The following
details the requested increase in specific grades and categories above and beyond the currently
approved maximum class size.
Grade/ Subject
Kindergarten with full-time
paraprofessional
Grades 1-3
Approved Maximum
Individual Class Size
December 2008
22
23
Franklin County Board of
Education Request
not to exceed 2 over class size
for a maximum of 24
not to exceed 2 over class size
for a maximum of 25
Grades 4-5
30
not to exceed 2 over class size
for a maximum of 32
Grades 6-8 (Middle School
Program)
30
not to exceed 3 over class size
for a maximum of 33
Grades 9-12 (High School
Regular Education English,
Math, Social Studies,
Science, Foreign Language)
Grade 9-12 All other
Subjects
32
not to exceed 3 over class size
for a maximum of 35
35
not to exceed 3 over class size
for a maximum of 38
P.O. Box 99  280 Busha Road  Carnesville, Georgia 30521
www.franklin.k12.ga.us
The Franklin County School System does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, national origin, marital status, or handicapping conditions.
Franklin County School System
Vocational Labs
“Preparing Students for the Challenges of Tomorrow”
28
not to exceed 3 over class size
for a maximum of 31
Remedial Grades 6-8
20
not to exceed 2 over class size
for a maximum of 22
K-5 Gifted Resource
19
not to exceed 2 over class size
for a maximum of 21
Middle School Resource and
Advance Content (6-8)
Gifted
High School Resource and
Advance Content (9-12)
Gifted
Grades 9-12 Alternative
Program (no
paraprofessional)
Grades 6-8 Alternative
Program (no
paraprofessional)
Kindergarten EIP SelfContained and Pullout
23
not to exceed 3 over class size
for a maximum of 26
23
not to exceed 3 over class size
for a maximum of 26
18
not to exceed 3 over class size
for a maximum of 21
18
not to exceed 3 over class size
for a maximum of 21
16
not to exceed 2 over class size
for a maximum of 18
Grades 1-3 EIP SelfContained and Pullout
16
not to exceed 2 over class size
for a maximum of 18
Grades 4-5 EIP SelfContained and Pullout
16
not to exceed 2 over class size
for a maximum of 18
Kindergarten EIP Augmented
(no paraprofessional)
20
not to exceed 2 over class size
for a maximum of 22
Grades 1-2 Augmented
(no paraprofessional)
23
not to exceed 2 over class size
for a maximum of 25
During these troubling economic times, the local school system has reduced expenditures to
offset the loss in revenues. While state revenues and funding for public education have
dramatically declined in the areas of QBE funding, Equalization Grants, 10% cut of other State
Grants and a reduction of local tax revenues, it has made it difficult to operate at last years levels.
Most reductions have been made in the area of personnel. The totality of loss of state and local
funding and increased work force reductions has created the need for the increase in maximum
class size in the aforementioned areas.
P.O. Box 99  280 Busha Road  Carnesville, Georgia 30521
www.franklin.k12.ga.us
The Franklin County School System does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, national origin, marital status, or handicapping conditions.
Franklin County School System
“Preparing Students for the Challenges of Tomorrow”
Therefore, the Franklin County Board of Education requests the class size waiver as noted.
Thank you for your consideration of this petition.
Sincerely,
______________________________
Mr. Greg Hearn, Chairman
_______________________________
Dr. Ruth O’Dell, Superintendent
______________________________
Mr. Kent Hall, Vice Chairman
_______________________________
Mr. Joe Greene
_______________________________
Dr. Pam Stone
_______________________________
Mr. Dale Farmer
P.O. Box 99  280 Busha Road  Carnesville, Georgia 30521
www.franklin.k12.ga.us
The Franklin County School System does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, national origin, marital status, or handicapping conditions.