The Department of Education may be facing big budget cuts from both the city and the state, but hundreds of high school teachers and principals will still get performance bonuses.

The bonuses will range from $3,000 for most teachers, all the way up to $25,000 for the four principals with the best progress report scores.

The bonus program began last year and was funded privately. But this year, the DOE is footing the bill.

The bonuses add up to more than $5 million. But the total bill for the program is closer to $38 million dollars, most of which went to elementary and middle school educators earlier this fall.

"It's always cited as one of the most novel, exciting programs. And I think New Yorkers want results. We are paying for results," said Schools Chancellor Joel Klein.

Despite budget cuts, the DOE says it has the money this year and plans to continue offering bonuses next year.