Queens, NY (July 21, 2026) State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., a member of the NYS Senate Education Committee, announced that legislation he co-sponsored to provide New York City public schools with additional time to implement mandated class size reductions has been signed into law.

The measure, S.10615, became law on June 26, 2026, and extends the deadline for New York City to fully comply with the state’s class size reduction requirements from September 2028 to September 2030.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a classroom where they receive the attention and support they need to succeed,” said Addabbo. “Smaller class sizes remain an important element of a quality education, but achieving that goal requires thoughtful, rational planning, adequate classroom space, and the ability to recruit and retain qualified educators. This legislation provides New York City with additional time to implement these requirements responsibly while remaining committed to improving educational outcomes for students.”

The law amends the Contracts for Excellence provisions governing New York City schools, allowing the Department of Education two additional years to implement the class-size reduction plan. The legislation maintains the existing class size targets while providing a more practical timeline for compliance.

Under the law, New York City will continue working toward reducing class sizes to no more than:

• 20 students in kindergarten through third grade;
• 23 students in grades four through eight; 
• 25 students in high school classrooms; and
• 40 students in Physical Education and Performing Groups at all grade levels.

The legislation also preserves the requirement that implementation prioritize schools serving higher-poverty communities while allowing limited exemptions for circumstances such as space limitations, enrollment fluctuations, teacher certification shortages, and severe economic distress.

“This law strikes a balance between maintaining our commitment to smaller class sizes and recognizing the logistical and financial realities involved in achieving that goal across the nation’s largest school district,” Addabbo said. “As cosponsor, I am proud that the Governor and my legislative colleagues recognized the value of quickly signing this important legislation into law.”

The law took effect on July 1, 2026.