NYC Struggles to Comply with Class Size Reduction Law

Facing a tight deadline, New York City must navigate financial and logistical challenges to meet state-mandated class size caps by 2028.

New York City is under pressure to comply with a state law requiring reduced class sizes across all public schools by 2028, necessitating significant financial and spatial adjustments.
Education officials warn of 'difficult choices' ahead, including the need for thousands more teachers and nearly $2 billion in additional funding to meet the new mandates.
About 40% of NYC classrooms currently comply with the law, but achieving full compliance will require streamlining teacher hiring and possibly reallocating space within schools.
City officials are advocating for more state funding and considering policy changes to prioritize teacher hiring over other positions to ensure compliance.
Critics, including educators and union representatives, express concerns over the city's current plans and the potential impact on school staffing and resources.