NY A07056

School districts outside cities with over one million residents must develop a class size reduction plan approved by the commissioner, superintendent, and teacher union representatives, with implementation beginning September 2023 and completion by September 2028.

Target class sizes are kindergarten-third grade: 20 students; fourth-eighth grade: 23 students; high school: 25 students; physical education and performing groups capped at 40 students regardless of grade level.

Districts must achieve 20 percent compliance annually with class size targets, excluding special education classes, reaching full compliance by the 2028-2029 school year.

Exemptions from targets are limited to space constraints, over-enrollment, staff shortages, and severe economic distress, and require approval from the superintendent and teacher union representatives or arbitration if agreement cannot be reached within 30 days.

Districts must submit annual reports by July 1 to the commissioner documenting enrollment, class sizes, capital plans, and progress; failure to meet plan obligations constitutes a willful violation of a commissioner's order; a financial impact statement is due November 15, 2026.