NYC to Hire 3,700 Teachers, More Principals

Mayor Eric Adams has announced a significant shift in New York City's approach to a state law mandating reduced class sizes in public schools. The city plans to hire 3,700 new teachers, along with additional assistant principals, to comply with the law, which requires class sizes to be capped between 20 and 25 students. This move, included in Adams' 2026 Executive Budget, aims to ensure that 60% of classrooms meet the class size requirements by next school year. Previously seen as an unfunded mandate, the initiative will be implemented across 750 schools, with funding concerns still unclear. Despite past reluctance, Adams now emphasizes the benefits of smaller classes, such as increased individual student attention and better emotional and academic outcomes. The United Federation of Teachers supports the initiative, highlighting its potential positive impact on student learning and teacher effectiveness.