lawrota.com

State lawmakers are intensifying pressure on Mayor Eric Adams and schools Chancellor David Banks to adhere to a law mandating reduced class sizes in New York City public schools. The legislators, in a recent budget hearing, emphasized the urgency of finding solutions to lower class sizes by 2028, as mandated by the law. Senator John Liu, a key figure in education legislation, stressed the importance of class size reduction, linking it to the Campaign for Fiscal Equity case that reshaped school funding in 2007. Chancellor Banks outlined the significant financial investment required, estimating a budget of $1.4 to $1.9 billion to hire thousands of additional educators. Despite increased foundation aid from the state, concerns persist regarding the allocation of funds and the efficacy of educational programs. Failure to comply with the class size law may jeopardize the extension of mayoral control over schools, as indicated by legislators. State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa’s firm stance on enforcement further underscores the seriousness of the situation. However, Chancellor Banks remains resolute, defending the city’s actions and downplaying concerns raised by officials.

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Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/28/lawmakers-banks-class-size-law-00139205