HB209 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

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

Summary

HB209 would set fixed class size limits for Alabama K–12 classrooms and require the state to fund the transition.

What This Bill Does

It sets maximum students per teacher: 15 for kindergarten through third grade, 22 for grades four through eight, and 25 for grades nine through twelve, with full implementation by the 2017-2018 school year. The limits would be phased in starting in the 2013-2014 fiscal year, reducing average class sizes by at least two students per year until the caps are met. Extracurricular classes are not covered by these limits. The state would pay the costs to reach the new class sizes, not local school systems.

Who It Affects

• Students in kindergarten through 12th grade, who would experience smaller class sizes as the caps are phased in and reach the final limits by 2017-2018.
• Local school systems/districts, which would not be responsible for funding the class-size reductions; the state would cover the costs.
• Teachers, who would teach classes with fewer students once the caps are in place.
• The state government, which must provide funding to meet the class-size limits.

Key Provisions

• Establishes class size caps: 15 students per teacher (K–3), 22 (4–8), 25 (9–12) by the 2017-2018 school year.
• Phases in the limits beginning with the 2013-2014 fiscal year, reducing average class size by at least two students per year until caps are met.
• Costs to achieve the class-size reductions are the responsibility of the state, not local school systems.
• Extracurricular classes are excluded from the limits.
• Effective date: immediately following passage, with required funding provisions by the Legislature.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education