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Updated 09/17/2009 10:39 PM

Report: City Classrooms Maxed Out

By: NY1 News

The United Federation of Teachers says thousands of public school classes are overcrowded this year.

According to the union's preliminary report released Thursday, schools throughout the five boroughs are exceeding the 34-student maximum.

The UFT says Queens high schools are suffering the worst with more than 3,100 oversized classes.

"What we want is for every child to be able to be in a classroom where they can get individualized attention, that's what the teachers want, that's what the parents want and it's what the kids need," said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. "So it's very very important for us to make sure that we can do everything in our power so that every child in the classroom can get the individualized attention."

"For teachers it's annoying because they want to teach, but first they have to move every chair for students and then they take attendance it takes time also. It's 30 to 35 minutes of teaching everyday," said Long Island City High School student Marta Armatys.

The Department of Education says the number of classes exceeding the contractual limit will decline dramatically in the coming weeks as enrollment stabilizes and principals add new classrooms.