HB427 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

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

Summary

HB427 would set fixed class-size limits for K–12 public schools and require state funding to reach those limits by 2019-2020, with a phased rollout starting in 2015-2016.

What This Bill Does

It sets maximum students per teacher: 15 in kindergarten through third grade, 22 in grades four through eight, and 25 in grades nine through twelve. The limits are phased in starting with the 2015-2016 fiscal year and must be fully in place by the 2019-2020 school year. The costs to meet these limits would be paid by the state, not local school systems, with funding aimed at reducing the average class size by at least two students per year until the limits are met. The limits do not apply to extracurricular classes.

Who It Affects

• Students in public schools (K–12) would experience smaller class sizes under the new caps.
• Teachers would be affected by the new class-size caps, potentially changing staffing needs and workloads.
• Local school systems/districts would not bear the costs to meet the limits and must ensure there are enough classrooms to satisfy the caps.
• State government would provide funding starting in 2015-2016 to reduce class sizes toward the specified limits.

Key Provisions

• Maximum class sizes: 15 students per teacher for prekindergarten to grade 3; 22 for grades 4–8; 25 for grades 9–12.
• Implementation timeline: phased in beginning in the 2015–2016 fiscal year and fully implemented by the 2019–2020 school year.
• Funding responsibility: costs to meet the limits are the state's responsibility, with funds provided to reduce average class sizes by at least two students per year.
• Exclusions: the limits do not apply to extracurricular classes.

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