During the Wallingford Public Schools Educational Specifications Community Forum held on May 3, 2025, significant discussions emerged regarding the educational specifications for the new high school, particularly focusing on class sizes and library resources.

A participant, representing the interests of students from Parker Farm, expressed concerns about the proposed class size cap of 25 students. Drawing from personal experience as a former English teacher, they highlighted the challenges of managing larger class sizes, especially in writing instruction. The participant urged school officials to consider lowering the cap to around 20 students to enhance the quality of feedback and support teachers in fostering student development.

Another key topic addressed was the transition from a traditional library model to a Learning Commons Media Center. The participant praised this shift but raised questions about the adequacy of print resources, specifically the number of books available per student. Currently, the average is about 13 books per high school student, and the participant sought clarification on how many books would be provided in the new setup. They emphasized the importance of maintaining sufficient print resources, particularly for students with special needs, while acknowledging the growing trend towards digital resources.

The discussions at the forum underscored the community's commitment to ensuring that educational environments meet the diverse needs of students. As the planning for the new high school progresses, these insights will be crucial in shaping a learning space that balances modern educational practices with the essential resources required for student success. The school district is expected to take these considerations into account as they finalize their educational specifications.