HB208 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms, number of students per teacher limited, phase-in period

Summary

HB208 would set maximum class sizes by grade band for public K-12 schools (15 for K-3, 22 for 4-8, 25 for 9-12), phased in from 2013-14 and fully in place by 2017-18, with the state paying the costs.

What This Bill Does

It creates defined class size limits for K-12 students. The limits are 15 students per teacher for grades K-3, 22 for grades 4-8, and 25 for grades 9-12, to be implemented on a graduated basis starting in 2013-14 and fully by 2017-18. The state would cover the costs to meet these limits, not local school districts. Extracurricular classes are exempt, and the act becomes effective immediately after passage.

Who It Affects

• Students in Alabama public schools would experience smaller class sizes according to their grade level once the limits are fully implemented.
• Local school systems and teachers would have the state pay for the costs of reducing class sizes, potentially requiring more classrooms and teachers but relieving districts of the funding burden.

Key Provisions

• Establishes maximum class sizes: 15 for K-3, 22 for 4-8, and 25 for 9-12, with full implementation by the 2017-2018 school year and phased-in start in 2013-2014.
• Costs to satisfy the class size limits are the responsibility of the state, not local school systems.
• Beginning in the 2013-2014 fiscal year, the Legislature shall provide funds to reduce the average number of students per classroom by at least two each year until the limits are met.
• Excludes extracurricular classes from the class size limits.
• The act becomes effective immediately upon passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education