CANFIELD — Class size, curriculum and the lack of real-world instruction were among concerns parents voiced Thursday night to the Canfield Local School District Board of Education.

The board held four sessions this week to begin gathering data to use in coming up with a five-year plan. The sessions held at the high school and online were overseen by The Impact Group, a company the district hired to assist in gathering data.

Parent Jen Coleman said Hilltop Elementary is a great school, but her main concern was over class size. “I believe 16 to 18 students per teacher is the aim of most schools, but Canfield is a little higher,” Coleman said.

Leslie Barrett said she also was concerned over class size. “There are 27 in my daughter’s first-grade class. That seems we are close to the state limit.”

Session moderator Lori Sandel replied Ohio’s classroom size limit was set at 30.

Barrett said she also was concerned over what was being taught but did say Canfield did keep continuity through high school.

“Curriculum continuation was a concern of the morning session too,” Sandel said.

On a different note, an unidentified parent said she wanted to see a finance class to teach real-world finances and a typing program for students. She said with online testing and a future of technology, students should have typing skills.

Regarding communications, those attending the evening session agreed the district has been good when it comes to keeping parents informed. The only flaw mentioned centered around kid’s homework assignments. Some said they would like to see a parent log in or the district using Progress Book to broadcast homework.

The latter part of the meeting focused on facilities. Hilltop Elementary and its faults were discussed.

“Hilltop is referred to as the nicest of our two elementary schools,” parent Chris Robison said. “It is still dated when it comes to the HVAC. The teachers are great, and they deserve a better school with more space so they can spread out.”

Barrett agreed the air quality at Hilltop is poor and, with no air conditioning, is a tough place to learn in the early fall and late spring months.

Sandel a survey will be posted on the school’s website to collect more comments.