SUMMARY:  This bill would amend Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the O.C.G.A. to temporarily suspend maximum class sizes under certain conditions, but would require a hearing and accountability on the part of the local system.

REQUIREMENTS:

• The suspension would be in effect through June 30, 2013.
• K-5 could exceed by only 1 student.
• 6-12 could exceed by only 2 students
• SBOE could grant an additional student per class above these limits upon a LBOE’s request
• If an LBOE chooses to use the suspension, they would have to:
  • Provide 30 days notice with rationale for needing suspension;
  • Conduct a public hearing that is advertised 7 days in advance in the newspaper for full discussion and public input;
  • Adopt a resolution electing to adopt the suspension.
• To retain the suspension of maximum class sizes, a local system would have to
  • Meet minimum performance measures established by the SBOE in total scores and needed targeted subgroups on:
    • High school graduation rates;
    • SAT or ACT performance;
    • State standardized tests and/or
    • A combination of all the above, AND
    • AP or IB participation and performance, not only a minimal level but matching performance levels as compared with the previous year.