NYC public schools' class size reduction likely to be pushed back 2 years, state senator says

New York City's attempt to reduce school class sizes will likely be pushed back for two years to help the city save money, hire more teachers and find the space, the head of the Senate Committee on City Education told CBS News New York political reporter Marcia Kramer.

On an episode of "The Point," State Sen. John Liu said the reality is that the city just isn't ready to guarantee that 80% of the classes have no more that 20 to 25 students by next fall, and the deadline should be extended for two more years.

Liu blames the Adams administration.

"I wish the previous administration had gotten us to the goals much quicker, but unfortunately ... they kept complaining about the law instead of doing something about it," he said.

Liu said they didn't build the schools or hire enough teachers, adding, "It's not rocket science."

Mayor Zohran Mamdani campaigned on this issue, so some of his supporters may not be happy about the news.

Meanwhile, Mamdani is also seeking mayoral control of the schools. During his campaign, he said he wanted to eliminate mayoral control of the school system.

According to Liu, however, it's unlikely the Legislature will give him a four-year extension because "it's too long for an unproven administration.

For more on the the battles in Albany and Washington, watch "The Point with Marcia Kramer" at 11:30 a.m. Sunday on CBS News New York.