District 28 says class-size funding won support but school space will limit reaching 80% target

District 28 officials told parents and community members at a Class Size Committee meeting that the district secured funding for class‑size reductions at 24 schools but lacks the physical space to meet a higher compliance target the city is expected to set next year.

"24 of our schools received funding of some sort, which accounts for a 17 class reductions across the district," said Raj (district manager of operations and special projects, New York City Geographic District #28). "That's essentially we're going to need about a hundred teachers to serve, give or take."

The committee meeting focused on where to put students once the city raises an implementation threshold from the current 60% target toward an expected 80% target. District staff and parent leaders said they have largely exhausted classroom and annex space inside school buildings and are exploring leasing adjacent properties, building new annexes or constructing new campuses.

Why it matters: The class‑size mandate will require hiring many new teachers and also changing the district’s physical footprint. Officials said hiring is likely achievable — "Everybody wants to come work with us," Raj said — but identifying and preparing usable space is the harder problem.

District staff and parent leaders outlined three near‑term steps they are pursuing: (1)…