(1) (a) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that:

(I) The voters approved section 17 of article IX of the state constitution with the intent that the increased funding of public education be used for specific and accountable purposes to improve the state's public schools;

(II) Elementary school teachers support reducing class size in early grades; and

(III) Parents have indicated that reducing class size, especially in early grades, is one of their top priorities for public schools.

(b) It is the general assembly's duty to ensure that the one-percent increase in statewide base per pupil funding required by section 17 of article IX of the state constitution be used in a manner intended by the voters.

(2) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) "Class" means a non-elective class in kindergarten or the first, second, or third grade or any combination of kindergarten or the first, second, or third grades in a public school, which class provides instruction in one or more of the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, history, or geography.

(b) and (c) Repealed.

(d) "One-percent increase" means the one-percent increase in the statewide base per pupil funding for state fiscal years 2001-02 through 2010-11 required by section 17 of article IX of the state constitution.

(e) Repealed.

(f) "Teacher" means a person who is licensed pursuant to article 60.5 of this title, or is authorized pursuant to section 22-60.5-111, to teach and is primarily engaged in teaching kindergarten or the first, second, or third grade.

(3) and (4) Repealed.