Guide to New York City's 2003 Ballot Proposals
Oct 20, 2003
![]() The Six Questions1. Paying for Sewage Systems2. Paying for Schools in Small Cities 3. Non-Partisan Elections 4. City Purchasing 5. Government Administration 6. Class Size Overview of Ballot Proposals Related LinksNew York City Campaign Finance Board - Voter's guide provides information on ballot proposals and candidates.New York City Board of Elections New York City Charter Commission |
QUESTION 6: CLASS SIZE
The final question on the November ballot - which would form a commission to study class size for New York City public schools - was put on the ballot by the United Federation of Teachers and other education advocates.
If passed, this measure would create a charter commission to address the issue of class size. The proposals suggests that the commission would have between 19 and 23 members, appointed by the City Council and would include parents, business leaders, labor representatives, and education advocates.
The mayor, however, does not want it on the ballot and took the issue to court arguing that there were already too many items for voters. A State Supreme Court Judge recently ruled that eliminating the proposal would be unconstitutional and would "give unfettered power to a mayor."
UPDATED: October 26, 2003 On appeal, a court ruled that ballot question number 6 will not be allowed on the November ballot. There will be no more appeals by the teachers union.(Text of the question as it will appear on the ballot.)
PRO
New York City's schools are overcrowded. Recently, New York City has averaged more than 20 students in elementary grades, more than 26 in middle school, and nearly 30 in high school. According to the United Federation of Teachers, 10,000 classes now violate union limits on class size.
Advocates say that studies demonstrate that smaller classes lead to higher grades and test scores, more parental involvement, fewer disciplinary problems and lower dropout rates. "When classes are overcrowded, teachers and principals are forced to devote too much attention to discipline and to administrative chores," said Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum.
The problem has been further compounded, advocates argue, by the President's No Child Left Behind program that allows children to transfer out of poorly performing schools.
Lawmakers will not address class size, proponents argue, until they are required to by the voters of the city.
"We need a city charter commission to come up with a realistic plan to limit class size for the sake of our children as well as the economic future of this city," wrote Leonie Haimson in her article Put Class Size on the Ballot. "Then, let the voters decide."
CON
While most New Yorkers would agree that class sizes should be smaller, some argue that putting the issue on a ballot is not the proper way to address the issue. They argue that the issue should be addressed legislatively with careful consideration given to how to pay for new schools. (See Class Size Limited By Law? by Jessica Wolff.)
Finding funding and places to build new schools is a difficult task. And if small classes initiatives are put on the ballot this year, some fear it could open up the door for other measures in the future.
"Unclear, is what comes next," wrote Clyde Haberman in his New York Times column. "Charter requirements for a minimum number of police officers and firefighters? Perhaps a mandated number of garbage pickups per week? How about constitutional limits on how many street fairs may be held?"
The Six Questions
1. Paying for Sewage Systems2. Paying for Schools in Small Cities
3. Non-Partisan Elections
4. City Purchasing
5. Government Administration
6. Class Size
Overview of Ballot Proposals
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