New School - Not So Fast

The New York Post today covered complaints about the new school proposed for Caton between E7th and E8th streets, and the confusing array of neighborhood interests within a school district that seem to pull this way and that.

The proposed school would serve only the northernmost slice of Kensington, and parents elsewhere in the district are protesting -- because, they say, Sunset Park and  South Park Slope would be more deserving of a new school. Never mind that the "population in the area where the 750-seat pre-kindergarten to grade eight school would be located has increased dramatically over the past several years" and that PS 230 in Kensington and PS 154 in Windsor Terrace are nearing capacity.

It is also quite incredible how these schools are being sited within districts, with total disregard for the surrounding communities. So CB12 voted against a school on Coney Island Avenue and Turner Place that was proposed on the very edge of District 22 (but actually in 15 and near 17 and 20) - because kids from across the street might not be able to attend. Now we have another school being proposed a few blocks away that again, none of the kids in District 17 or District 20 or District 22 will be able to attend, though for quite a few it would be easiest one to walk to!

What would be so wrong with looking at the map, looking at demographics, and where the current schools are and where the suitable lots are and putting one in where it makes most sense - even if that means redrawing the school districts. It has got to be cheaper than busing kids from one end of a district to another when they could go to the school across the street! It is not our fault that 4 districts come together along Coney between Church and Beverley.

We need more schools around here, and fewer districts!

Community Board 7 public hearing  will take place at the International Baptist Church, 312 Coney Island Avenue, entrance on Caton Place on Feb. 9 at 6:30 pm.