Luna aide on class sizes: Schools managed to function in mid-90s with larger classes

Asked about the proposal to increase class sizes by Sen. John Andreason, R-Boise, Luna aide Jason Hancock said, “Nobody wants to increase these divisors. Nobody wants to see class sizes get bigger.” But, he said, “Keep in mind that until the mid-90s, Idaho’s class sizes were higher than they’re going to be under this change and we were still able to have a functioning education system at those levels.”

Andreason asked Hancock if the class-size plan was discussed with the superintendents of the Boise or Meridian school districts, the state’s two largest districts, before it was unveiled. “The divisor changes were a part of the overall plan,” Hancock responded. “And we did have some discussion with those superintendents before this plan was brought out publicly.” Andreason asked, “Were they in agreement with the changes?” Hancock responded, “I don’t recall what each individual superintendent commented as far as what they liked and did not like, I’m sorry.”