Enrollment Report Sparks Board Discussion on Lowering Kindergarten Class Sizes

Summit Hill School District 161 | October 15, 2025

Article Summary: An enrollment update presented to the Summit Hill 161 board revealed that kindergarten class sizes are averaging between 20 and 21 students, prompting board members to call for a plan to reduce those numbers in the future. The board also noted a significant disparity in fourth-grade class sizes between two of its elementary schools.

Enrollment Update Key Points:

• As of October 15, the district has 220 kindergarten students, with class sizes averaging 20-21 students.

• Board members expressed a desire to lower kindergarten class sizes, suggesting hiring more teachers or finding more classroom space.

• A notable difference exists in fourth-grade class sizes, with some at Indian Trail School having 22 students while a class at Dr. Julian Rogus has 15.

A review of current enrollment figures at the Summit Hill District 161 board meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, led to a discussion about the need to lower kindergarten class sizes and address imbalances across elementary schools.

Superintendent Dr. Paul McDermott reported that the district currently has 220 kindergarten students enrolled, with class sizes averaging between 20 and 21 students. Board Secretary Ronnie Petrey was the first to raise concerns about the numbers.

“Having 20-21 at that level I think needs to get dropped down a little bit more,” Petrey said, suggesting the board explore options for its upcoming planning retreat. “If that means figuring out more space, if we have more classrooms, hiring more teachers, what we need to do with that so we can get those numbers a little lower, I think would be very beneficial.”

Board member Joy Murphy noted that these numbers tend to creep up throughout the school year due to late registrations and mid-year move-ins. “We have to be careful going into August,” Murphy said. “That number was 18, it creeps up. It’s at 21 in some classes now. By the end of the year it could be 22.”

Murphy also pointed out a significant disparity in fourth-grade class sizes, where a teacher at Indian Trail School might have 22 students, while a counterpart at Dr. Julian Rogus School has 15. Dr. McDermott acknowledged that student needs can sometimes account for such differences but agreed to delve deeper into the numbers to ensure equity.