A March 10 proposal to the Fayette County Board of Education could pave the way for class sizes to increase next school year if needed. The school board will vote March 24 on the measure that would give Superintendent Jody Barrow the authority to add up to five students in classrooms beginning in August, though such increases will likely not be needed.

The proposed resolution citied the position by the state Dept. of Education (DOE) which acknowledged declining revenues from the “unprecedented downturn in the economy” as the reason for the potential class size waiver.

The waiver, if needed, would apply to all classes at all grade levels.

Barrow at the March 10 meeting said the class size numbers from DOE reflect the same numbers which have been seen for at least the past three years.

“In most cases we’re below the state-required numbers,” Barrow said. “But this will help us if we need it.”

The school board is expected to vote on the resolution at the March 24 regular meeting.