If you have not heard about this issue the NCGA lowered the caps for grades K-3. While this is a goal we should be working toward, it requires both time and money to implement and they did not provide either. The House seemed to realize that there would some negative consequences to this and they introduced HB13 which provided greater flexibility to schools with regard to k-3 caps. The bill passed the house unanimously. It is currently sitting in the Senate Rules Committee and has been there for months. Schools budgets are due now.
Schools all over the NC are faced with meeting the current mandate. Without additional funds, specials and specialists are on the chopping block. Art, Music, PE and other specials would be eliminated so those salaries can go to hire additional k-3 teachers. In addition, many districts need the physical space those specials occupy to put additional k-3 classes.
No caps were placed on grades 4 and 5 so those class sizes would likely increase so that space and teachers can be made available for k-3 classes.
In Wake County it would take a 2% tax increase to meet this mandate and save specials. Districts all over the State are in the same position if the Senate does not pass HB13.
How will your schools be impacted? Does your district have the physical space to accommodate the additional classes? How much will it cost your district and local taxpayers to save their specials?
Class size legislation to impact school districts across Eastern NC* - News - The Free Press - Kinston, NC
NC schools implore Senate to pass class-size bill | abc11.com
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