AZ SB1296

Requires each local education agency to adopt a policy by the 2027-2028 school year establishing class size limits with specified average and maximum sizes: K-3 (average 18, max 21), 4-8 (average 22, max 27), 9-12 (average 25, max 30), and career technical education (average 20, max 25).

Local education agencies must fully implement the adopted class size policy beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, with exceptions for specialized subjects like music and typewriting if instructional effectiveness is not impaired.

Prohibits use of split-grade classes to circumvent average and maximum class size requirements, though multi-aged classes are permitted.

Amends the classroom site fund statute to prioritize class size reduction as an eligible use of funds to comply with the new class size limits.

Appropriates $200 million in fiscal year 2022-2023, $400 million in 2023-2024, $600 million in 2024-2025, $800 million in 2025-2026, and $1 billion annually beginning in fiscal year 2026-2027 to the classroom site fund.