NY S09460

Modifies contract for excellence requirements for large city school districts (population over one million) to require expenditures as set forth in existing subparagraph (v) of paragraph a of subdivision two, rather than meeting subparagraph (vi) requirements, effective for the 2022-2023 school year forward.

Removes language restricting how charter school tuition adjustments are calculated when determining excess foundation aid that must be spent on new or expanded programs.

Establishes specific class size reduction targets to be achieved by September 2027: kindergarten-third grade (20 students max), fourth-eighth grade (23 students max), high school (25 students max), with physical education and performing groups capped at 40 students, with 20% of classrooms achieving compliance annually.

Requires class size reduction plans to be developed collaboratively with teacher and principal bargaining units and signed off by the chancellor and union presidents, with exemptions limited to space, over-enrollment, license shortages, and severe economic distress, with disputes resolved by arbitrator if unresolved after 30 days.

Mandates annual public reports by November 15th on class size reduction progress, capital planning alignment, and schools with insufficient progress, with state funding tied to demonstrated compliance and submitted financial impact statement by November 15, 2024.