180 Days of Learning : CYPRESS

Communication systems installed in the mid-1960s are being upgraded for the new school year.

“Technologically, the district is moving in aggressive ways,” Supt. William D. Eller said. “The goal is to improve teaching and communication.”

State-of-the-art computer labs have been set up in each of the district’s 10 schools. Officials said they expect the new technology to complement regular teaching plans and enable schools to offer parent workshops.

Phones are being installed in classrooms so that teachers can call parents and vice versa. And new intercom systems are improving communication within schools.

The district, which expects to enroll 4,700 students this fall, is also considering how to reduce class size for kindergarten students.

Last year, first- and second-grade classes were capped at 20 students for each teacher. Officials said they hope to expand that program and are seeking ways to do so.

Eller said one possibility is a system under which a class would be partitioned and a teacher would provide instruction to each half separately.

“We are looking at perhaps having a morning teacher and an afternoon teacher for kindergarten classes to comply with state standards,” Eller said.

District officials have been negotiating with the teachers union and hopes to reach agreement on a system by September, Eller said.