Columbia County school administrators might seek a waiver to avoid state-mandated maximum class size requirements in response to a potential 2 percent state funding cut.

Superintendent Charles Nagle said the school system might save $500,000 to $1 million per grade level if schools don't have to hire more teachers to meet class-size limits. He said the average class size in the schools typically is three or four pupils below the maximum.

At the kindergarten level, he said, the school system tries to start the year with 16 or 17 pupils to a class so it can build toward the 20-pupil maximum without going over the limit.

He also said a growing school system needs to allow room to accommodate more students.

"It doesn't always make good sense to hire a new teacher for one child," said Sandra Carraway, the deputy superintendent.

To apply for a waiver, she said, "The teachers in the grade level have to agree that it is in the best interest of the school."

Mr. Nagle said class size is one of "many different variables" that contribute to the quality of instruction. Others include the number of pupils who have special needs or need remedial help. However, he said, "We feel that it does make a difference to try to have smaller class sizes."

Lewiston Elementary School Principal Mike Doolittle agrees.

"That could affect the instructional level in a classroom," he said of a waiver. "But my teachers have dealt with a lot of large numbers in past years" before the limits were put in place. He also said some are former middle school instructors who are adept at teaching larger groups.

Bert Brantley, a spokesman for Gov. Sonny Perdue, said legislation allows school systems to opt out of class-size limits in exchange for improved student achievement.

"The governor has said repeatedly the most important thing is outcome and results," Mr. Brantley said.