Brent Hardin
Journal sports editor

PLATTSMOUTH – Plattsmouth Community Schools is exploring the idea of adding portable buildings outside the elementary school to decrease class sizes and increase state financial aid to the district.

Plattsmouth superintendent Dr. Richard Hasty told Plattsmouth Board of Education members Monday night about the plan, which would involve purchasing two portables to place behind the east side of the elementary school. The buildings would reduce kindergarten, first-grade and second-grade class sizes from over 20 students to under 20 students.

Hasty and PCS director of instructional services Dr. Cherie Larson told board members that class sizes below 20 children can affect student achievement in a tangible way.

"The data shows that having one or two fewer students in a classroom really does make a big difference," Larson said. "It gives the teacher more time to work with each individual student, and that one-on-one time can really help those children out."

Hasty said PCS could also experience financial benefits from the portables. Nebraska LB 988, which passed earlier this year, includes a provision that affects state aid for districts with elementary class sizes below 20 students. The changes in state aid funding begin with the 2008-09 school year.

District officials are considering purchasing 1991-model portables from Lincoln. Estimated cost of the portables would be between $5,000-$10,000. There would be an additional estimated $10,000 in transportation costs.

Hasty said the district’s financial situation made portable buildings the top option for reducing class sizes. PCS has additional bond payments to make on the high school building and is working to pay off construction costs of the fitness center. "Having a new elementary building is out of the question right now," Hasty said. "I see the portables as a temporary solution to a long-term issue."

Hasty said he is open to discussion on what grade level and which teachers will be in the portables. PCS officials will not hire new teachers for the additional K-2 sections, but will realign positions within the district instead.