NEW ULM, Minn. -
Youngsters across the New Ulm area boarded the yellow limousine on Tuesday.
But with the start of this new school year, comes less staff and bigger class sizes. With school now in session, there are fewer teachers in the district.
"Obviously it impacts class size," said Harold Remme, New Ulm Public Schools superintendent. "We have elementary classes that are higher than we would like. Our kindergartens are about 25 right now per section, and our 3rd grade is 28 and 29. And we have a fifth grade that is 28 and 29. And a 6th grade that's 30."
As a result of 10 full-time teaching staff being eliminated from the budget, district officials say that has resulted in 15 fewer classes being offered at the high school level this year.
"And what we will do with those, is we will try to get those offered on an every-other-year basis," said Remme.
But it's not just classrooms that are affected. Remme says budget cuts also took effect on Tuesday in the offices.
"The second secretary in each building office is also now our special-education secretary," Remme said.
Enrollment numbers have stayed about the same as last school year. And given the current budget situation, district officials say its unlikely staff will be added during the year.
The New Ulm School District is seeking a referendum this year. Officials will ask voters whether to approve a $575 per student operating levy. If it receives the nod, this November, the levy would add $118 to the property tax bill on a $100,000 home.
