DISCONCERTING: Mayor Zoran Mamdani is reportedly negotiating with the teachers’ union to delay the implementation of strict class size regulations in order to stabilize the budget.
This arrangement not only underscores the influence of state lawmakers in favor of the American Federation of Teachers but also highlights the troubling nature of the law itself.
This is essentially a three-party agreement. Albany has allowed New York City additional years to keep classroom sizes under 20 students, while the city will provide bonuses ($8,500 in the first year and $9,500 in the second) to certain teachers who face larger classes.
Interestingly, the intent behind these class size laws seems to be improving conditions for students. So, why aren’t they covering the costs for this delay?
It appears that it has always been about supporting the UFT, especially as the union’s membership might dwindle along with the declining enrollment in public schools. UFT Director Michael Mulgrew has pushed for compensation to make life easier for his union members, hinting at some behind-the-scenes deals.
With proponents of reducing class sizes, like state Sen. John Liu (D-Queens), and UFT activist Leonie Heimson, claiming that smaller classes are the key to educational success, it’s worth examining which teachers are actually eligible for these bonuses. The reality is that schools facing challenges already tend to have favorable teacher-to-student ratios but are failing to produce results.
Introducing class size limits might actually harm students. Prestigious schools like Stuyvesant High and Bronx Science are already at capacity and would be forced to cut back on enrollment, unable to create smaller classes.
In a twist of irony, during his campaign, Mr. Mamdani criticized Mayor Eric Adams for undermining him while promising to firmly uphold class size regulations.
Now, the so-called progressive mayor is doing the opposite, not only delaying the laws but also resorting to what could be termed bribery to secure that permission, quietly acknowledging that he may have underestimated Adams’ stance.
While I find it perplexing that Mamdani has again gone back on his word, I’m frustrated that he feels the need to pay off Mulgrew to gain approval.
