The parents of second graders at Paradise Knolls departed Tuesday night’s School Board meeting skeptical of the decision to hire only one new teacher for their children. The district school board, along with Superintendent Glenn Kamp, rejected the pleas of parents to appoint two new teachers for the second grade. The gap in the faculty at Paradise Knolls was created by the sudden retirement of 44-year veteran teacher Daniel Mathews. Some parents blamed the abrupt and unanticipated departure of Matthews on the problems facing the second-grade teachers at the school, even one as experienced as Mathews. The board appointed Kelly Reno to replace Mathews but parents believe that is not enough. The second grade has 49 students split into two sections. Parents have complained that there exist within the large student group evidence of bullying, physical violence and consistent discipline problems. The parents have previously expressed concerns that education has taken a back seat to behavior problems in the class. The parents’ perspective is that the solution lie in adding a third section and reducing the class size from the current 24 and 25 students to just 16 or 17. Prior to Kamp’s announcement of only one appointee, parent Karen Lavin spoke of her concern at the standard of education her child is receiving and of the options open to her. Lavin said, “I was always taught to believe that you seek the best for your child. “When I needed a specialist for my child I saw three before deciding on the best,” she added. “If the board is not seeking the best for my child, then give me my money back. Give me the $5,000 I paid in school taxes and I’ll go elsewhere.” Lavin’s sentiments were echoed throughout the room from concerned parents but Kamp responded by saying, “I’m not recommending a third section.” Kamp explained, in part, his decision to reject the request for another teacher. “We (the board) all have confidence in Mr. Mathews replacement. I’ll be shocked if parents are not satisfied with the work of this teacher (Reno).” Kamp added: “Student achievement is not as much to do with class size as you might think. It has more to do with the quality of the teacher. We will also see some changes at the school, and they will be for the better.” Kamp admitted this was Reno’s first teaching assignment, but tried to assure parents that a test lesson had be conducted in which Reno led a class for two hours, under the supervision of Kamp and Director of Education Bernice Colefield. Kamp said that the new teacher performed excellently and said, “She’s going to be a superstar.” Lavin left the meeting unhappy with the outcome. “I’m disappointed in the decision not to hire a third teacher. I am one hundred percent in support of the new teacher and I hope she can do a fabulous job. If she is able to do that, I will be more than happy to come back and congratulate the board.” Another parent, Valerie Haggerty, said “I believe it was a short-sighted decision for our children. We will see the results.” Haggerty continued, “I’ll be supplementing my son’s education at home. I’ll also be saying some prayers for Ms. Reno, and I mean that sincerely.” Reno, began her term at Paradise Knolls on Wednesday, Jan. 25.