Chancellor on class size plan, teacher recruitment, and family empowerment

On class size, the extension of the implementation timeline will allow us to execute our capital and hiring strategies sustainably and with fidelity, building on the progress we've made.

since my last testimony.

Specifically, we've worked shoulder to shoulder with SCA to create a multi-year plan for all schools with class size related space needs.

This work, which strategically blends capital and non-capital strategies, will

will be detailed in the class size reduction plan, which will be released next week.

Additionally, we are continuing to boost the staff to meet the mandate.

This includes allocating funding to hire more teachers and investing nearly $17 million

in FY 2027 for teacher recruitment, enabling us to expand programs like New York City Teaching Fellows, the same pathway I took to become an educator.

I also want to thank the Senate for its extent, the state for its extension of mayoral control.

An essential ingredient for equitable transformation, transformative leadership of our schools.

But let me be clear, the other critical component is family partnership.

The mayor's executive budget reflects that with 3.2 million

dollars allocated to FY 2027 towards family empowerment initiatives.

Engagement is core to who I am as a leader, and I believe mayoral control and local decision-making are both

to effective governance and must complement each other here in New York City.

I want to thank this council for your continued partnership and support of our schools.

I've had the privilege of meeting so many of you and seeing you at schools and community events.

Your dedication is making a positive impact every single day.

I want to especially thank Chair Dinerist for his leadership of the committee, education committee.

Thank you all for your commitment to young people, and I look forward to answering your questions.

Thank you.