Poplar Springs parents and teachers upset

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
April 24, 2002
Parents and teachers at Poplar Springs Elementary School vented their frustration to Meridian School Board President Fred Wile Tuesday night during the school's last PTA meeting of the year.
About 100 people were at the meeting. Several voiced concerns about two Poplar Springs teaching positions being reassigned to other schools in the fall.
The teaching positions being reassigned to other schools are funded with a federal class-size reduction grant.
One first grade teacher and one third grade teacher will be transferred, which would increase the student-teacher ratio at Poplar Springs.
Principal Fred Brashier said there are five first grade teachers and five third grade teachers at Poplar Springs. Each has 18-20 students. The elimination of two teaching positions, he said, means the remaining classes could have as many as 25 students next year.
Wile said the decision was a "daily operational issue," not something that required board action. He said he had spoken with Superintendent Janet McLin about the concerns.
Several PTA officers and members are scheduled to meet with McLin next week and plan to ask her to explain her decision. Wile asked the crowd to be fair to the superintendent.
Brashier said he has already shared his concerns with McLin. He said a low student-teacher ratio is important for all children in all grade levels.
McLin could not be reached for comment.