New York City Public Schools Unveils Framework for Class Size Planning and Funding for the 2025–26 School Year

New York, NY – New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos today announced a new framework for class size planning, developed in partnership with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and the Council of School Supervisors & Administrators (CSA). Under the framework, schools can choose to submit individual “Class Size Reduction Plans” for the 2025-2026 School Year (SY) to receive dedicated funding for implementation. In this school year the administration has invested $182 million for class size reduction and other purposes aligned with the state Contract for Excellence. This new framework will provide the second major investment of funding to align with the class size reduction mandate. This funding comes after the Adams administration invested over $1 billion in additional funds in schools in FY25.

NYCPS is currently in compliance with the class size mandate, and this “Schools-Up” planning, which will be optional for schools, will allow NYCPS to invest resources to continue to meet the law’s targets based on an individual school’s needs and specific plans. Principals who opt into the program will consult with their School Leadership Teams to develop individualized plans aimed at meeting the newly mandated class size caps. The program will allow schools to submit funding requests as part of their applications. A joint NYCPS/UFT/CSA committee will evaluate these plans, ensuring a fair and consistent consideration of plans. Principals who choose not to opt into the program will not receive this additional funding.

“Our children deserve classrooms where they can thrive and teachers can focus on each student’s unique strengths,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “This process is about putting resources directly into schools to make that a reality. We are proud of the work New York City Public Schools has done in collaboration with our partners in labor at the United Federation of Teachers and the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators to create a plan that supports our schools in achieving these mandated reductions.”

“As a former teacher and principal, I know that smaller classes mean more engaged students. This collaborative effort with the UFT and CSA not only underscores our commitment to meeting the state's class size mandates but also empowers schools to take the lead in shaping their environments,” said Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. “Together, we are making significant strides toward lowering class sizes while empowering schools to lead the way.”

"This is the opportunity parents and educators wanted. School communities with the space to reduce their class sizes can apply for the funds to hire the staff to make it happen in September.  We are encouraged that Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos and the administration are cutting through the red tape. By giving schools this option, we will bring smaller classes to more children across the city,” said Michael Mulgrew, President of the United Federation of Teachers.

“School leaders know firsthand the positive impacts that lower class sizes can have on students,” said CSA President Henry Rubio. “Since the state’s class size law first passed, we have strongly advocated that city must find more funding, staff, and space to properly implement its plans. We commend the city and DOE for securing the necessary resources for some additional schools to comply with the new class size limits for the upcoming school year. Under this framework, principals who choose to submit plans can clearly communicate their school community’s true needs and concerns.”

Plans must be submitted by December 20, 2024, and schools that receive funding through this initiative will be notified ahead of the initial budget allocations for the 2025-26 School Year, expected to be released in late May/early June 2025. The funding is part of NYCPS's ongoing commitment to ensure that at least 60 percent of classes meet the new size requirements by the 2025-26 school year, as required by the law, with goals of 80 percent by 2026-27 and full compliance by September 2028. The new class size caps are set at 20 for grades K-3, 23 for grades 4-8, 25 for grades 9-12, and 40 for performing groups and physical education classes.

This initiative represents a significant investment in the future of our schools to enhance classroom resources and support in order for schools to reduce class sizes. As a proactive measure, by allowing schools to tailor their plans based on specific needs and interests, NYCPS aims to create a sustainable model for continuous improvement.