SIZING: RUSD enrollment is projected to drop by more than 500 students.
By Cameron Brewer, Staff Writer
According to recent projections, student enrollment for Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) will drop by 500 students next year. As a result of this massive drop in attendance, classes will be asked to have a minimum class size of 30 students. Classes are currently required a 20 student minimum. According to Poly Assistant Principal Michael Gull, the main reason behind the sudden drop in enrollment was the 2007 housing crisis. People left their homes searching for a better life, taking their kids and RUSD’s future students with them.
Although Poly asks for a 30-student class size, Mr. Gull believes that the drop in enrollment will not change the list of classes available to take, as the limit is more of a recommendation. “We also try to build classes to a minimum of 30 because we want to maximize the class. We also have responsibility too. That’s how we base our staffing, how teachers are counted for, and how they get paid. I foresee that every class we’ve been offering this year will continue, but that depends year to year,” Mr. Gull said. Just because a class is under the 30 student minimum does not essentially mean that the class will be dropped from the roster. AP classes will not be required to abide by this minimum because they are supported by both the College Board and RUSD.
Because of the drop in students, there will be changes that affect the district, such as the 30 student minimum. However, it is unlikely that there will be any major changes. All the classes offered this year will remain until next year, as long as students keep requesting those classes as part of their schedules.