Bill > HB683

This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to expand and clarify the duties of district superintendents, with a primary focus on classroom size and teacher-to-student ratios. The bill requires superintendents to visit schools, assess instructional methods, provide teaching guidance, and report any school insufficiencies to the school board. A significant new provision mandates specific maximum student-to-teacher ratios across different grade levels, ranging from 24 to 25 students per teacher, with corresponding maximum class sizes. If these ratios are exceeded, the superintendent must notify parents within ten days, explaining the reason for the overcrowding and outlining steps to reduce class size. The superintendent is also required to submit a plan to the Department of Education to address overcrowded classrooms within 30 days, with the goal of reducing class sizes by the next semester or within 90 days. The bill includes exceptions for certain group instruction classes like physical education and music. Additionally, the bill reaffirms that while superintendents have the right to speak at school board meetings, they cannot vote. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill's enactment.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=683