Lakeside Principal: Budget Cuts Lead to Cramped Classes

We've written a little bit this year about how budget cuts have made their way down to our schools in the North Druid Hills-Briarcliff area.

Well, we just got another clear indicator from on Monday.

From a statement by Principal Joe Reed to the PTSA:

All of us who watched and read the news this summer knew that class sizes would be bigger than in past years. None of us bargained for the sizes that some of our classes have reached - and it could have been worse had we not chosen to start the year with three substitute teachers as we awaited a fully certified teacher. Part of the increase in class sizes is attributed to the increase in our student population from 1830 to over 1940 students. This is not the result of out of attendance area students.  Rather, it may be a combination of too many students taking five years to graduate and the favorable reputation many newcomers and real estate agents have of Lakeside.

At this point we are serving an increased student body with ten fewer staff members than last year. We have been approved for the three teachers for the classes currently served by substitutes in the areas of art, science and social studies. The art teacher, Ms. Jelks, has arrived and will start her first full day at Lakeside Monday. We will be posting the other two positions on PATS and will have to interview for those teaching slots. As Mr. Clyne continues to maximize our staff, student schedules may be changed. We will also be requesting additional staffing as the needs arise.

We appreciate the patience of our students, teachers and parents as we work to make ends meet during this very difficult financial situation.

Here's a few other budget cut issues in our community:

What do you think of the budget cuts? Are they too steep or are they necessary? Tell us in the comments section below.