WEST MILFORD Some of the seven- and eight-year-olds at Paradise Knolls are running amuck according to numerous parents, who voiced their concern to the board of education last Tuesday. The problem, according to the approximately two dozen parents who showed up to complain, is that there are 49 second graders split into two classes. They feel that the classes are too big and, more importantly, there is an unusual and difficult mix of personalities. “There is foul language, bullying, physical violence and a complete lack of respect. There is always a second grader in the principal’s office,” said MaryAnn Walsh. Pamela DeWall, another parent, said that a full one-third of the grade is reading below grade level, an indication that the current situation is not working. In addition, she said, the behavior problems take up a lot of class time. “Discipline should not be the primary activity for a teacher.” The proof, the parents said repeatedly, is that 44-year veteran teacher Daniel Matthews (who teaches the second grade class with 25 students) announced his retirement abruptly and plans to leave as of February 1. Karen Lavin told the board that Matthews had expressed his frustration to her, saying this was the most difficult class to manage in his 44 years of experience. The parents seemed to be universally supportive of both second grade teachers, expressing over and over again that they believed the problem lies in class size and unusual number of students requiring extra attention. The solution, they said, comes from the fact that Matthews is the district’s most veteran teacher and, as such, at the top of the pay scale. The parents’ suggestion was that the district hire two new teachers (who would qualify for the lowest scale) and split the two classes into three. Parent Ron Romano said, “We even have the classroom space. Put the art back on the cart.” The board was presented with a petition signed by over 50 parents. School Superintendent Glenn Kamp responded to the parents, saying he took their concerns seriously and would look into the matter further. In other business: Last week several high school students told administration members that another student claimed to have bomb-making materials and threatened to use them. The police were immediately involved, a search was executed at the student’s home. Nothing was found. The student will undergo a psychological evaluation to determine whether he will return to the high school. Sara Steele, a high school senior ranked first in her class will be recognized by the New Jersey State Board of Education on Feb. 1. She has been involved in numerous extracurricular activities, scored a 2350 out of a possible 2400 on the SATs, and has a grade point average of 4.48. This is the first time a West Milford student has been recognized by the state board. The district has begun the 2006/07 budget process.