Richmond Public Schools

Secondary Leveling Process

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What is leveling (i.e. needs-based scheduling)?
A: Leveling is a districtwide approach to scheduling.  The process involves adjusting the number of teachers at respective school buildings to meet the instructional needs of students based upon enrollment figures and student course requests.

The leveling process was driven by each principal as he/she prepared the student master schedule of courses for FY16. A schoolwide staffing standard of 22 to 1 is applied to allocate a total number of teachers. This does not mean that every class will have 22 students. Class sizes vary for multiple reasons. For example, classes like physical education will have larger numbers whereas a special education course will be required to have 15 or fewer students.  

Q:  What schools are being impacted by this leveling process?
A:  All secondary schools (middle and high) are undergoing the leveling process.

Q:  Why is leveling necessary?
A:  Leveling is a common practice used by school districts to better align district resources with the overarching needs of students. Leveling is necessary to meet enrollment and students’ course requests across the school district as a result of changes in projected enrollment and actual student enrollment. Typically, by the time the new school year begins projected enrollment differs from actual enrollment. 

In addition, leveling is necessary for Richmond Public Schools (RPS) to operate within the present fiscal constraints of a budget shortfall of roughly $5M. As such, leveling is an opportunity to equitably distribute limited resources. The leveling process was discussed as a necessary action with the board during the budget development process.

Q:  Will this be done annually?
A:  RPS has implemented a leveling process in previous school years, although not on an annual basis. At this time, RPS’ current leadership team intends to annually evaluate a needs-based allocation of instructional staff to address the core and elective programming needs of schools throughout the district.   

Q:  How was this information communicated to parents?
A:  Parents learned of leveling decisions from their schools and interested stakeholders. Because leveling is part of the human resources and staffing process, RPS typically would not share this type of information directly to parents.  However, we recognize that the gap in communication may have caused some levels of anxiety for parents and students.  As a result, next school year we will work more diligently to thoroughly share timelines and expectations of both parents and students.

Q:  How was this information communicated to teachers?
A:  Teachers affected by the leveling process were informed directly by their principals prior to the end of the school year. These teachers were not only told of plans to shift them to other schools, but they were also informed of the schools available for consideration as their next school destination.

No matter where teachers are assigned they must be matched to their endorsements to ensure there is a highly qualified teacher in every classroom.

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