An Untenable Situation: Class Size Budget Crisis
This week the Independent Budget Office (IBO) released a report regarding the true cost to New Yorkers of the law mandating smaller class size. And the result was a determination that it would cost an eye-watering amount to implement. Particularly unwelcome news as New York City struggles with the cost of the migrant crisis, a weak commercial real estate market, and the continued exit & absenteeism of students from our public schools.
Background on Class Size Bill
The new law, signed on September 8, 2022, establishes smaller class size limits for K-12 classes, with a five year timeline to implement. Worryingly the law doesn't provide additional funding for meeting the requirements; but high-poverty schools will be prioritized in the plan.
The legislation was passed in response to research showing that smaller classes can have a positive impact on student achievement; and in particular, low-income students. But the report also references research suggesting that “…the effect of smaller class sizes on student achievement does not have a clear conclusion as to the benefits on a general scale.” Making this a complicated and tricky gamble — exactly the warning Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks communicated at the bill’s signing.
Highlights from Report
The IBO used data from the 2021-22 school year to look at impact and this included:
Around half of the analyzed schools would be considered over-enrolled under the new legislation.
Based on the year reviewed, NYC would have had to hire an additional 17,700 teachers to cover new classes with a cost of between $1.6 to $1.9 billion annually.
Community school districts with the highest shares of over-enrolled classes are mostly located in Queens, southwest Brooklyn, and Staten Island.
Schools with students from asylum-seeking families may receive additional funds through the Fair Student Funding formula which could be used to hire additional staff but it’s unclear the impact.
Other challenges noted include:
While research suggests students from lower income backgrounds and students of color benefit from lower class sizes, it’s dependent on the experience and qualifications of the teachers hired.
The curriculum flexibility in middle and high schools creates complexities in maintaining class size regulations, as students may enroll in multiple courses and sections.
Transferring students from over-enrolled to under-enrolled sections isn't always a viable option, particularly if it leads to a reduction in the variety of courses offered.
The School Construction Authority’s 2020- 2024 capital plan lists 59 school construction projects that should add approx. 15,000 elementary and middle school seats and 1,700 high school seats. But the sites for these locations have not yet been identified and so, again, the impact can’t immediately be quantified.
Counter View & Impact on Teachers
Class Size Matters, which has championed the bill, does not dispute the economic and administrative challenges required to comply with the law.
The organization is also concerned that the IBO did not “…take into account the potential cost savings from smaller classes, including lowering remediation costs and referrals to special education.”
The United Teachers Federation (UTF) were able to negotiate a 3% salary increase which the IBO figured into its estimate of $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion annually required to meet the legislations’ requirements— welcome news to the UFT as the city will likely reverse the elimination of thousands of positions slated to go because of enrollment declines.
The UFT will also work closely with the mayor on implementation plans.
We all agree there needs to be much more specificity on what is next and, in particular, what cuts will be made to the public school system in New York City to accommodate these requirements. To make your concerns heard, click to send the email below.