Signed by Governor Roy Cooper III

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the class size for kindergarten through third grade to not exceed 20 students.

Highlights:

• Establishes that class size for kindergarten through 3rd grade must not exceed more than 20 students beginning in the 2017-to-2018 school year (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the responsibility to assure the class size does not exceed 20 rests with each locality’s board of education (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that any teacher who believes the required class size has not been met must make a report to the principal and superintendent (Sec. 2).

• Specifies if the requirement is not met, the superintendent must report to the local board of education, which is responsible for ensuring changes are made to meet the requirement (Sec. 2).

• Specifies local boards of education have 30 days after being notified that requirements have not been met to make sure the issue has been corrected (Sec. 2).

• Establishes that at the end of September and the end of February of each school year, each local board of education will file a report with the Superintendent of Public Instruction that must include (Sec. 2):

• The duties of the teacher;

• The source of funds used to pay for the teacher;

• The number of students assigned to the class; and

• The number of program enhancement teachers.

• Establishes the following teacher-to-student ratios, which must not be exceeded (Sec. 2):

• 1 teacher for every 18 kindergarten students;

• 1 teacher for every 16 first-grade students;

• 1 teacher for every 17 second-grade students; and

• 1 teacher for every 17 third-grade students.

• Specifies the state board shall report to the Joint Legislative Commision on Governmental Operations 30 days after each class size waiver is granted (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text