This petition is a powerful tool for parents and community members to come together and address issues, advocate for change, and strengthen our community.
The Saddleback Valley Educators Association (SVEA) is advocating for learning conditions that truly put students first—starting with smaller class sizes and reasonable caseloads for the educators who serve them.
Class Size & Combination Classes
We are calling for a responsible, 3 year-phased in reduction of combination (combo) classes that disrupt learning and disproportionately impact our youngest students:
Year 1: There shall be no combination classes in grades TK, K or 1.
During this transition, we are also asking the District to limit combinations so that there is no more than one combo class per grade level—for example, not both a 2/3 and a 3/4 combination at the same site.
SVEA is also asking the District to follow the contractual class size averages at the school-site level, not district-wide averages, to ensure equity and accountability:
K–3: 29:1 (Year 1)
Grades 4–6: 32:1 (Year 2)
Grades 7–8: 33.4:1 (Year 3)
Grades 9–12: 33.9:1 (Year 3)
Special Education & Support Caseloads
SVEA is also fighting to reduce excessive caseloads for special education and support service providers. Caseloads must reflect student needs and service intensity. One example, SVEA is advocating for caseload maximums as low as 14 students for certain populations—while the District is proposing caseloads as high as 26, a level that significantly limits the quality of services students receive.
Why This Matters
Overcrowded classrooms and unmanageable caseloads reduce individualized attention, strain educators, and ultimately harm students. Budget decisions reflect priorities—and we believe SVUSD’s budget must prioritize students over everything else.
By signing this petition, you are standing with educators, families, and students and sending a clear message to SVUSD:
Smaller Classes = Brighter Futures.
Your support helps push the District to make decisions that strengthen classrooms, support educators, and ensure every student gets the attention and services they deserve.