Bill > A07358

This bill amends the education law to delay the implementation of class size reduction plans in city school districts with populations over one million (primarily New York City) from 2023-2028 to 2031-2036. The revised timeline requires gradual reduction of class sizes, with targets of 20 students per class for kindergarten through third grade, 23 students per class for fourth through eighth grade, and 25 students per class for high school, with physical education and performing groups limited to 40 students per class. The bill expands exemptions to these class size targets to include gifted and talented schools, screened admissions programs, portfolio and specialized high schools, and advanced placement classes. Notably, the bill mandates that parents be included through school leadership teams in discussions about class size exemptions, ensuring community input. The plan still requires 20% of classrooms to become compliant each year, prioritizing schools serving higher-poverty populations, and maintains provisions for resolving disagreements about exemptions through arbitration if school leaders cannot reach consensus. The changes aim to provide more flexibility in implementing class size reductions while maintaining a structured approach to reducing classroom sizes.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7358