G‑E‑T board approves additional sixth‑grade math/intervention teacher as enrollment grows

The Galesville‑Ettrick‑Trempealeau School District board approved hiring an additional full‑time sixth‑grade math teacher who will also serve as a math interventionist to address projected enrollment growth and intervention needs at the middle school.

A board member summarized enrollment figures for the middle school (approximately 303 students at present) and described an incoming cohort bump that will push some grades above 100 students. In response, the district proposed adding one certified sixth‑grade teacher with math intervention responsibilities; administrators said the hire lets the district replace two half‑time positions with one full‑time position (with benefits) and provides direct intervention time for students who need remedial math instruction.

Board discussion covered class‑size impacts, safety and lab considerations, and how intervention support would be deployed across grades. "The purpose is that they'll teach a sixth grade core class for sure to help out with numbers... and we currently don't have a math interventionist to work with students during some of that remedial math time," a staff member said.

The motion to approve the hire was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: The hire is intended to reduce class sizes in core classes and expand math interventions, addressing the board's stated priority to improve reading and math outcomes.

Next steps: Administration will proceed with recruitment and staffing adjustments for next school year and report back on placement and budget implications.