Education officials delay moving to high school after news reports of flaws in new site – New York Daily News

Local education officials withdrew a proposal Monday to move a Manhattan high school to students who fell behind in credits, after news reported that the new location lacked the critical spaces like child care and health centers that its current location provides.

Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School on the Upper West Side has seen hundreds of students enroll over the past several years, prompting the city to suggest exchange locations with the Young Women’s Leadership School, a growing program in East Harlem.

“Everyone will put their heads together to make space for the girls’ school, and to grow the student body at West Side High School,” said Councilwoman Jill Brewer (D-Manhattan), who is also a former mayor.

switch was It is scheduled for a controversial vote on the city’s Education Policy Committee on Wednesday, but several members told The News, or indicated on social media, that they planned to vote against it.

Several committee members appointed by Mayor Adams, who have historically followed City Council directives, have also rejected the motion in briefings, according to a source familiar with the discussions.

The plan received backlash from students, staff and councilors, who raised the alarm about possible gang violence if the school was moved to Crosstown without considering the dynamics at play.

“The primary concern is the risk of incitement to unnecessary violence among young students due to the West vs. East wars,” read a letter from State Sen. Robert Jackson (D-Manhattan) to counsel David Banks on Friday.

“Gang violence threatens the livelihoods and safety of our communities, and we must do everything we can to protect our students.”

Education officials and advocates have some time to solidify a Plan B, when the proposal is expected to come before the committee again May 1 to “allow more time to discuss concerns and hear additional community feedback.”

“In New York City public schools, students’ needs are at the center of all decisions,” said school spokeswoman Sian Toll. “We are committed to engaging families and communities.”

Advocates are pushing to leave the West Side High School in its current location, and make room for the Young Women’s Leadership School at one of three closed Catholic and Jewish day schools in upper Manhattan.

But time is running out to suggest an alternative. The revised proposal will be subject to a mandatory 45-day window for asking for comments, ushering in the summer months when principals and administrators plan for the next school year.

“Unless these students continue to have direct access in their building to child care, the clinic, and all the athletic facilities, it’s not the same school,” said Calleris Salas Ramirez, Manhattan Borough President appointed to the commission. “So I’m disappointed because it’s just another two weeks delay. In two weeks, we won’t have a magic wand.”