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DOE says reaching Class Size Act targets will be difficult but possible with space and funding
Summary
Chancellor Samuels told CEC 28 the DOE expects to reach roughly 80% compliance with the Class Size Act by September but warned that space constraints, teacher shortages (particularly in special education and secondary math), and capital needs will require exceptions, utilization reviews and SCA investment.
Community members pressed Chancellor Kumar Samuels about implementing the Class Size Act amid District 28’s overcrowding and ongoing new development.
Samuels said that meeting the law’s requirements depends first on space and second on hiring sufficient teachers. He said the administration expects to reach about 80% compliance by September but that the remaining gap will be difficult to close without exceptions and additional capital and teacher funding. He said the DOE requested roughly $600,000,000 from the state to fund the teachers necessary to approach the policy’s targets.
Samuels outlined two near‑term strategies: better use of existing space across co‑located schools and pursuing targeted capital investments with the School Construction Authority where additional seats are required. He noted community‑board approvals are often needed for new school sites and that the DOE is negotiating with elected officials and SCA on needed flexibilities to implement the law.
Officials acknowledged shortages of special education teachers and secondary math teachers, and said teacher pipelines and fellowship programs will be part of recruitment efforts.
The chancellor asked for patience but pledged to work with the superintendent and community advocates to refine utilization proposals and pursue the capital plan needed to address seat shortages.
