NYC class-size compliance delay omitted from state education budget bill

A plan to give New York City more time to meet state class-size caps was expected to save the city $500 million but was left out of the state's education budget bill. Under the 2022 law, 80 percent of classrooms must have no more than 20-25 students by next year, depending on grade level.

All classrooms must meet the caps by the 2027-28 school year: 20 students for kindergarten through third grade, 23 students for grades four through eight, and 25 students for high school.

Legislative status Sen.

John Liu, who chairs the committee overseeing city schools and sponsored the class-size law, said negotiations continue on legislation to provide more time for compliance, pending clear plans for classroom construction and teacher recruitment. Assembly Education Committee Chairman Michael Benedetto said he expects a compromise before the legislature adjourns for the summer.

He added that he heard the mayor and the United Federation of Teachers reached an agreement but has not yet been notified of a standalone bill.

Teachers president Michael Mulgrew said any extension requires the Department of Education to produce a clear capital construction plan to build seats where needed. A Mamdani spokesperson said the administration is committed to implementing class-size reductions and is in close conversation with Albany leaders and union partners.

An Albany source said the mayor had not proposed language to delay the law, which is why it was not included in the budget.