SUMMARY:  LC 33 3498
Suspends current restrictions on class size.

REQUIREMENTS:

Through June 30, 2013:

• Allows maximum class size to increase by one student in grades K-5
• Allows maximum class size to increase by two students in grades 6-12
• State Board of Education may additionally increase class size by one additional student per class upon request by a local school system
• In order to avail itself of the class size increase, the local system must:
  • provide 30 days notice, including the rationale for such increase
  • conduct a public hearing on the issue
• In order to retain the class size increase the local system must meet minimum performance measures as established by the State Board of Education (total scores and subgroups) and as compared with the previous year on the following:
  • high school graduation rates
  • SAT or ACT performance
  • state standardized test data
  • AP or IB participation and performance

POINTS TO CONSIDER:

• Most school districts have cut substantially into non-personnel budget categories, leaving the personnel budget the only place to reflect increased state cuts
• In many districts, increase of only one student per class will not alleviate the funding crisis facing the districts.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Upon approval by the Governor or by becoming law without such approval.