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A new legislative audit reaffirms the overwhelming challenge of trying to reduce class-size in Utah's public schools.
According to the audit, each year since 1993, lawmakers have increased the appropriation directed specifically toward class-size reduction - some $705 million in all. The net result: "no new class-size reduction has occurred."
In short, the state is barely keeping pace with growth.
The auditors undertook their study after legislators questioned whether the class-size reduction money was being used as intended. While some districts could do a better job of tracking the money, no shenanigans were discovered. The money is appropriately-spent! Rather it is a program that is significantly underfunded.
If an actual reduction in class-size is ever to occur in Utah, it will require an extended commitment to direct millions more toward the effort . . . and that, in reality, seems an overwhelming challenge. Regardless, in KSL's view, it is an effort that must be made.
