Along with the construction changes that Marshall is experiencing, the increased size of the freshmen class this year, one of the largest classes ever enrolled, has also impacted the school.
The freshmen class is generally the largest of the four classes, but this year the number has increased more than usual. Over 420 freshmen were enrolled last year, but the number this year has climbed to 512 students.
Hallways and classrooms have become more crowded due to the large class size. Counselors made schedule changes since some classes were so large that they contained over 30 students; some health and physical education classes reached 42 students.
“Some classes are just getting bombarded with many kids,” counselor Gina Fajardo said.
In order to create more space and a better learning environment for students, four additional sections were added to the school.
Although the class size has impacted the amount of students in classes and crowding in the halls, it has not caused the construction plans to change.
Administrators who are supervising and creating new schedules for the freshmen believe that Marshall’s reputation is one reason so many new students have come to Marshall.
“We’re a school that has a really strong reputation” director of Student Services Cindy Blakeley said.