The Saucon Valley School Board discussed classroom sizes Sept. 11 upon releasing a report indicating the overall average class size from K through eighth ranged from a low of 17 to a high of 23.

Each grade had some specific classes below and above the overall class average for that grade. Board member Shamim Pakzad asked about the fluctuations within a grade. Elementary Principle Cindy Motter explained from a week to week perspective, the class size may vary. Motter said, “depending on the grouping and the services and support services and looking at our student’s individual needs that’s how the classes are made.”

When asked if she was comfortable with these numbers, Motter said, “We’ve tried very hard here at Saucon kindergarten, first and second [grades] to have lower class sizes just because we know those are the foundational building blocks and levels that we need to address. Would I like them to be a little bit lower? Probably, but we are meeting the needs that we need to meet.”

Board member Sandra Miller explained that when she came to the district 20 years ago, she got involved because of the large class sizes and recalled a first grade class of 27 students. She said since then there “was a concerted effort by our district to have quality teachers in smaller class sizes so that our students had good base years and were successful.”

Currently, the average class size for K through fourth grade ranges from 21 to 23 students.

Middle School Principle Ken Napaver reiterated the positive results and explained Saucon is where it needs to be, and maybe a little better, with regard to student- teacher ratios in comparison to other local districts.

In summarizing the report, Superintendent Dr. Craig Butler said, “I think our numbers look quite favorable and I think we’re in a position where the classroom environment and the teaching and learning setting is optimal in providing the very best opportunity for our students to be successful and engaged and challenged.”