As the population of the United States reaches its 300 million mark, CV hits its own mark. There are now 1,900 students at CV and the population continues to grow.
“There are exactly 1,918 students,” said Kris Kobata, school registrar. “It is higher than normal.”
Principal Gary Swanson commented: “I’m still looking to hire staff. “I’ve interviewed some people, but haven’t hired any new teachers since September.”
About eight to ten teachers in Math and English have been added to the CV staff since August.
“There are two openings available and hopefully those positions will be filled soon,” Swanson answered referring to the teachers still needed.
In the past teachers, have been let go because they did not meet the standard teaching requirements. In some cases it has become necessary to hire extra Math and English teachers to write curriculum for other classes in order to provide stability and keep the students up to pace.
Mount Diablo Unified School District has laid down more stringent rules that make it even more difficult to hire teachers. This is a direct result of the NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT (2002), which requires administrators to verify that teachers have met the obligatory credential standards to teach students.
Meanwhile, complaints come in from teachers over increasing class sizes. For some teachers, larger classes are a continued and added labor. Students need help from teachers but with the large amount of extra students, giving the attention each student needs is difficult. The lack of teachers has put much stress on staff and students.
Several weeks ago the principal and administration attempted to even-out class sizes and correct classroom overcrowding by selecting random students to switch classes.
This procedure has been tough not only on teachers, but students as well. With a lack of teachers, it becomes an issue for students to learn and work in a comfortable environment.
The over-capacity of CV is a difficult situation, but with the return of the school secretary and the unison of the staff, assistance will be provided in solving this crisis.
Although the overcrowding of CV continues, it has become a significantly milder issue due to the above mentioned.
The school, staff and students alike have high expectations that this predicament will become a “win-win” situation for everyone.