Mayor Mamdani and Chancellor Samuels Announce Expansion of NYC Solves and NYC Reads

NEW YORK – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels joined students from PS/MS 194 and city leaders for a math competition to announce a major expansion of NYC Solves and NYC Reads following a $17.3 million investment from the Mamdani administration. The expansion marks a major step toward ensuring every student learns to read confidently and graduates with the math skills they need to succeed.  

“In the wealthiest city in the richest country on Earth, it is unacceptable that so many students have been left behind. This administration is investing in what works: rigorous instruction, strong support for teachers and a public school system that doesn’t give up on anyone,” said Mayor Mamdani. “This expansion will help make sure every student, in every neighborhood, succeeds.”

“Every New York City Public Schools student deserves to be in a classroom that is both academically rigorous and deeply supportive, and expanding NYC Solves and Reads moves us closer to that goal,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels. “As a Superintendent I saw firsthand the transformative impact of these initiatives and remain committed to their success as Chancellor. The strong academic gains we’ve seen underscore what’s possible when we invest in evidence-based instruction and support. As we build on this momentum next school year, we're committed to giving our schools the tools, training, and resources they need so every student can thrive.”

For the first time, NYC Solves will expand into elementary schools, bringing high quality, problem-based math instruction to students in grades K-5. By building a strong foundation early, the program will help students become confident mathematicians and problem-solvers throughout their academic journey. As in upper grades, participating districts will use a singular curriculum across schools.

The following elementary school districts will participate:   

• Manhattan District 5: i-Ready Mathematics Classroom 
• Bronx Districts 11 and 12: Illustrative Mathematics 
• Queens District 25: Amplify Desmos Mathematics 

NYC Solves will also expand to middle schools in the following districts: 

• Manhattan: District 3 
• The Bronx: District 9 
• Brooklyn: Districts 16, 21, 22 and 23 
• Queens: Districts 24, 27, 28 and 30 

NYC Solves will continue to support all High School Districts this fall with a focus on core instruction and supplemental supports to ensure every student can succeed in rigorous, meaningful mathematics coursework.

Building on last year’s expansion, NYC Reads will expand to middle schools in the following districts:   

• Manhattan: Districts 2 and 4  
• The Bronx: Districts 8 and 10  
• Brooklyn: Districts 14, 18, 20 and 32  
• Queens: Districts 26 and 29  
• Citywide: District 75   

Beginning in September, NYCPS will expand in-school educator support for implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) in middle schools across these districts. MTSS is a framework that helps schools identify student needs and provide targeted academic instruction and classroom supports for students at every level. High schools participating in the expansion will also receive MTSS support.

Middle schools in Districts 2 and 18 will begin implementing the Wit & Wisdom curriculum as part of core instruction. 

“As Chair of the Education Committee, I commend this critical investment in expanding NYC Reads and NYC Solves to more schools across our city. Every student deserves access to instruction that builds strong literacy and math foundations from an early age through high school. I’m especially pleased to see School District 10, in my district, included in this expansion of NYC Reads. This investment will provide students, educators, and families in our district with the tools and support needed to strengthen academic achievement and create more opportunities for long term success. Expanding evidence based curriculum and targeted supports is an important step toward ensuring every child, in every neighborhood, has the resources they need to thrive,” said City Council Education Chair Eric Dinowitz.

“Every child deserves the tools and support they need to thrive in the classroom, and I am proud to see the expansion in funding for New York City Reads and Solves under Mayor Mamdani’s proposed Executive Budget,” said City Council Higher Education Chair Rita Joseph. “Investing in literacy and math is an investment in our students’ futures. As Chair of Higher Education and a lifelong educator, I know that strong foundations in reading and math open doors to opportunity. This expansion represents a commitment to ensuring our students are not left behind, but instead are given every resource they need to succeed, grow, and reach their fullest potential.”

“I congratulate Mayor Mamdani and Chancellor Samuels for their focus on strengthening math and literacy instruction through the expansion of NYC Solves and NYC Reads,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. “Creating strong foundations in reading and math early on helps students become more confident learners and problem solvers throughout their academic careers. I am especially pleased that middle schools in Community School District 3 are included in this expansion. When learning is engaging and students are excited about reading and math, more students succeed.”

“Every student in New York City deserves access to the tools, instruction, and support they need to thrive academically and build confidence in the classroom,” said Council Member Amanda Farías. “The expansion of NYC Reads and NYC Solves is a transformative investment in our children’s future - especially for students in districts in the Bronx, where strong literacy and math foundations open doors to lifelong opportunity. I applaud Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Chancellor Kamar Samuels for prioritizing evidence-based, high-quality instruction and making sure more students, families, and educators have the resources they need to succeed. By investing early and expanding these programs citywide, we are helping create the next generation of readers, problem-solvers, and leaders.”

“Mayor Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Samuels have been champions for New York City students by investing in their future and expanding educational resources,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. “As the parent of two young children, I know how important it is for children to learn foundational math skills as soon as they can, which is why City Hall's investment in NYC Solves in our schools is so important. I’m thankful that these early and innovative investments are coming to Queens.”

“Every child deserves to read with confidence and tackle math without fear. This expansion of NYC Reads and NYC Solves will give thousands more young people the foundation they need to thrive in and out of the classroom. I thank Mayor Mamdani and Chancellor Samuels for making this vital investment in our students,” said Council Member Mercedes Narcisse.

“Every student gets only one chance at a good education,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman. “The expansion of these critical programs into additional school districts, including NYC Solves in Districts 27 and 28 in my council district, is an important investment in our students, educators, and families. By bringing high-quality, evidence-based instruction to more classrooms, we are helping students build confidence as readers, critical thinkers, and problem-solvers from an early age. I want to thank Mayor Mamdani and Chancellor Samuels for their commitment to strengthening public education and ensuring more students across our city have the tools and support they need to thrive.”

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