Denair High trims classes to match fewer students expected in fall

Four instructors will have reduced class schedules in 2015-16 because of projected enrollment declines at Denair High School. Just 270 students are expected on campus for the first day of the 2015-16 school year when it begins Aug. 12, down from 305 who attended this past school year.

“While it’s unfortunate to lay off even partial teaching positions, this reduction is necessary due to a downtick in enrollment at the high school,” said Denair Unified Superintendent Aaron Rosander. “Having said this, the overall enrollment trend for the district is beginning to show improvement. This should ultimately have a positive effect on Denair High School in future years.”

The district reduced teaching hours by the equivalent of two full-time positions, or 12 classes, trustees were told. A part-time Spanish teacher resigned and the teaching loads of four teachers were reduced by one, two or three periods each to make the 12 necessary cuts.

No subject was eliminated. Small reductions occurred in English, math and science, civics and economics, world history, physical education, health, computer science and Spanish.

Denair High School continues to perform well overall. In 2014, 74 of 79 seniors graduated, a rate of 94 percent. That compares with a statewide average of 80 percent and a Stanislaus County graduation rate of 82 percent.

In results of the California High School Exit Exam, better known as CAHSEE (pronounced “Casey”), 85 percent of Denair High students passed both portions of the test on their first attempt as sophomores this year.

In other action Thursday night, trustees approved Rosander’s plan to restructure his administrative team for the next school year.

▪ Michelle Bush, who has been the principal at Denair Charter Academy the past two years, will move to the newly retitled position of senior director of curriculum and instruction, student support services and preschool education.

▪ Aaron Delworth, who has been principal at the high school and middle school, will lead Denair Middle School exclusively in 2015-16. Recruitment is underway for the principal vacancies at the high school and Denair Charter Academy. Rosander expects to have both positions filled by the end of June.

▪ Sara Michelena is principal of Denair’s new elementary charter school, Denair Elementary Charter Academy. The new school will replace Denair Academic Avenues, continuing the tradition of an arts-enriched curriculum and Spanish-language classes for all. DECA will add a kindergarten class of dual-language immersion under the new charter.

Denair Elementary School, which shares a campus with the existing elementary charter, will continue to offer a traditional school program.

This story was originally published May 29, 2015 at 2:21 PM with the headline "Denair High trims classes to match fewer students expected in fall."