QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON PEP VOTE DENYING PROPOSED SCHOOL CLOSURES IN FAR ROCKAWAY

USANEWSONLINE.COM DESK, QUEENS, NY – Queens Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to questions about the decision by the New York City Panel for Educational Policy (PEP) this morning on the New York City Department of Education’s (DOE’s) proposed school closures of P.S./M.S. 42 and M.S. 53 in Far Rockaway, which were voted down by votes of 6-6-1.

“The message is clear: we are not giving up on our kids. Queens thanks the Panel members for listening to the communities, for voting with the best interests of the students in mind and heart, and for giving our Renewal Schools a fair chance to succeed. The school communities are clearly vested in their success, as exemplified in both the recent progress in academic performance and the level of engagement by the parents, teachers and students to save their schools. The work is far from over, and I look forward to collaborating with everyone, including the New York City Department of Education and incoming Schools Chancellor Alberto Carvalho, to support the school communities and to help ensure their success.”

The Queens Representative and Borough President Katz’s appointee to the PEP is Ms. Deborah Dillingham. The Borough President is thankful for her tenacity in following through for our kids.

Last night’s meeting agenda can be found here. PressRelease.