Frustrated parents say Alexandria City Public Schools' enrollment is causing overcrowding
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (7News) — Alexandria City Public Schools released new enrollment numbers, which show a slight increase from last year, but there are concerns from parents that some classrooms in some schools are overcrowded.
One mother said her child is falling behind due to class size.
“We have 28 students in his class right now. He has fallen further behind in reading because of the classroom environment he is in,” explained mom, Emily Sass.
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She has three children in schools and says her son's school lost teaching positions when they needed more teachers.
“I think they are mismanaging the entire school district,” said Sass, who spoke to the school board during the meeting, announcing about 250 more students districtwide.
“We are getting back to normal, which I think is a real positive, that we are seeing students come back,” said Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson.
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The mayor says consistent growth before the pandemic indicated the district would need to plan for the future. Now, he says there are plans to build five new schools.
“We are very mindful that the system is growing. We are very mindful we need to continue to invest in our facilities as well as get the educators in employment to be able to educate the children that are coming,” Wilson said.
The district has added a kindergarten class at one school, and a first grade at another, to deal with the enrollment and staffing concerns.
But parents say it is not enough.
If you would like to see the enrollment details, you can find them here.
