Zohran Mamdani Backtracks on Key Campaign Promise for NYC Schools
Summary
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has agreed to delay a law that requires public school classes to have fewer students until 2029-30. This change allows more time for hiring teachers and building schools to meet the new class size limits, and teachers with larger classes may receive extra pay.Key Facts
- The city must reduce class sizes to 25 students or fewer by 2029-30, instead of the original 2028 deadline.
- Kindergarten through third-grade classes have a target maximum of 20 students; grades 4–8, 23 students; high school classes, 25 students.
- The city needs to be 70% compliant with the new class sizes by next school year and 90% by 2028–29.
- Mayor Mamdani promised to hire 1,000 teachers annually to meet class size goals but faces challenges including a large budget gap.
- Meeting the requirements may cost up to $1.7 billion for teacher salaries and $18 billion for new school buildings.
- Teachers with classes exceeding the size limits due to staffing or space shortages will get up to $9,500 extra pay by 2027–28.
- The United Federation of Teachers supports the delay, hoping it will lead to better compliance and more classroom seats.
- The extension results from discussions among Mayor Mamdani, Governor Kathy Hochul, state lawmakers, and the teachers’ union.
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