NYC Classroom Sizes Could Shrink Under New School Control Deal

NEW YORK CITY — Give us more class cutting in New York City’s public schools, said state lawmakers.

A demand to slash city classroom sizes to 20 to 25 students is part of a deal struck in Albany that extends Mayor Eric Adams’ control over public schools for two years.

But Adams isn’t happy with the potentially expensive mandate. He said while he said he supported smaller class sizes, the mandate could lead to cuts to counselors, social workers, after-school tutoring, school trips and other programs if it doesn’t include guaranteed funding, he warned.

“There must also be a mechanism for altering or delaying the plan to reduce class sizes if the mandate is shown to severely adversely impact racial equity and the city’s fiscal health,” he said in a statement.

Adams originally sought a four-year extension of mayoral control over the city’s schools — a move that received support from Gov. Kathy Hochul, as Politico first reported.

State lawmakers, however, appear to have balked at giving the city’s mayor more control over schools until 2026.

The deal struck in Albany expands the Panel for Education Policy, which votes on changes to schools, from 15 to 23 members.

Michael Mulgrew, the president of the United Federation of Teachers union, hailed the panel change as a move that could grant it more independence from the mayor’s office.

He also praised the classroom size reduction, which parents and educators argue helps students’ outcomes.

The bill would lower class sizes to 20 in early grades and 25 for most high school subjects.

“The passage and enactment of this legislation — which prioritizes the city’s poorest schools, phases in over five years, and provides exemptions when necessary for overcrowded buildings — would be a landmark achievement for this city’s children by the political leadership of our city and state,” Mulgrew said in a statement.

City officials are expected to review the deal as state lawmakers eye a vote before the legislative session ends this week.