At its Oct. 26 meeting, the Hays CISD board of trustees increased the student-to-teacher ratio in a number of classes. Earlier, the board had approved changing the ratio from 22:1 to 24:1. Chief Human Resources Officer Christina Courson requested approval for 33 classes between pre-kindergarten and fourth grade that are above 24:1. She said the increases are a result of insufficient legislative funding. Courson said last year's budget cuts, made to rebuild the fund balance, also eliminated positions and raised class sizes in elementary and secondary campuses.
Courson said many of these classes have experienced teachers, but the changes are still difficult. She said some schools are adapting. Negley Elementary is using older, smaller desks to create more classroom space. Kyle Elementary is using Texas State University interns to work with small groups. Courson said the district asked for more interns but none were available, so it was added to a list.
Courson also asked for more teacher residents. The district has a memorandum of understanding with Texas State University for six residents, each receiving $20,000, according to Courson. Human Resources Director Ginger Blanchon said the program lets teacher candidates work alongside an experienced classroom educator. Courson said the Texas Education Agency now provides a $10,000 reimbursement for each resident. Texas State has been notified of the request, and the district plans to seek agreements with other colleges.