District 25 outlines Contracts for Excellence plan to meet New York state class-size mandate

District 25 staff presented the Contracts for Excellence (C4E) plan and how the district will use new state funds to comply with the state's 2022 class-size limits at a Community Education Council meeting.

The presentation explained that statewide C4E funding will rise to about $1.089 billion in fiscal year 2026, including $241 million in new funding targeted to meet the class-size mandate and $45 million phased in from last year's allocation. District 25's share was described as just under $42 million (approximate); district staff said discretionary funds and class-size dollars will be allocated at the school level in accordance with allowable uses.

Why it matters: the C4E allocations are intended to reduce class sizes and support students with the greatest needs (English language learners, students in poverty, and students with disabilities). District staff said school leaders and School Leadership Teams (SLTs) submitted applications that drove the district's distribution of funds.

District staff described the allowable uses for C4E money, including extended instructional time, after-school academic support, expanded bilingual materials, full-day prekindergarten and kindergarten,…