Concerns about student-teacher ratios at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Tech

TAUNTON, Mass. — Parents, students and trade specialists packed the auditorium at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School Wednesday night to voice their concerns about student-teacher ratios and school safety.

They say there aren't enough teachers in the trade classes.

"I got a base level education that could’ve been heightened by an additional teacher," said senior Matthew Moreau.

"These classes are my future, completely and entirely," he said.

But Moreau says because of the student-to-teacher ratio at the school, "I can't do a lot of things."

Parent Kristen Moreau and others say they're concerned about safety.

"It can be an unsafe environment. They don’t have enough teachers in the shop to maintain safety," she said.

Rick McGrath, a plumbing instructor, spoke of the shortage of teachers.

"We are short by two teachers. Others programs in the state have four to five teachers, and we only have two," McGrath said.

Schools Superintendent Alex Magalhaez said, "Our data hasn’t shown anyone having accidents."

"Safety is paramount," he said. "The issue of safety is the reason why we decreased the number of freshman."

Magalhaez said officials will be reviewing the budget to make a decision.

Cox Media Group