Dear NYC Principals and Administrators,

In September, DOE ONPS advised the Standing Committee of a projected $60 million shortfall in the Title I program for the coming school year. On October 5th, ONPS shared specific financial data indicating that the Code 3 (Jewish Schools) budget needed to be reduced by 30%. DOE tasked the Code 3 standing committee representatives to propose solutions to balance the Title I budget. The late notice by ONPS has made it both more challenging and urgent.

The Code 3 representatives recommended an across-the-board reduction by removing PD and coaching from Title I and reducing the minutes of Supplemental Instruction. There will also likely not be a summer program due to lack of remaining funds. After receiving feedback from schools, we recommended that the DOE add the following additional options:
  1. Prioritize Title I services for students who need it the most, reducing the number of groups by 30%. These reduced groups could be as low as four students per group.
  2. Increase group size to 10 students, reducing total number of groups by 30%.
We have requested a two-week time period for schools to meet with their vendor and restructure their Title I program. Schools should also consider using CARES or Title IV funds to supplement Title I services. All Title I and other federally funded programs must remain secular, neutral and supplementary to the general studies provided by a nonpublic school.

We are continuing to meet with and work with the DOE to identify solutions and will keep you updated.

Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Agudath Israel of America and Chair, Committee of Religious and Independent Schools

Mr. Isaac Sofer, Alliance for Yeshiva Education Schools

Mr. David Rubel, Sephardic Community Federation and UJO Williamsburg

Mr. Yosef Kanofsky, Teach NYS

Ms. Sara Seligson, The Jewish Education Project

Rabbi David Niederman, UJO Williamsburg

As always, feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

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