Semantics done, it is an interesting (and sometimes tough question in the details.) We started at DS's school when the year before teacher/student ratios were 13:1 or so. Partially from extra funding and partially from people on one side of the zone pulling out of the school over a number of years. With some good rebounds across the board (in and out of the magnet program) class size has bounced back over 20.
We definitely see the direct support and good communication that ultramarina experiences. I used to wonder if it was fair that we are benefiting from monies earmarked for a specific purpose, and if 95% eog passing in the magnet is falsely buffering underlying issues. But with the amount of volunteering and community involvement with a school "on a comeback" it seems to be a win-win across the board.
