Senator Addabbo Responds to "Turnaround" Process
Queens, NY – New York State Senator Joseph
Addabbo, Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the status of Grover
Cleveland, John Adams and Richmond Hill high school.
I truly believe that every individual associated
with Grover Cleveland High School earned the right to have it remain open and
be removed from the list of schools going through the “turnaround” process. All
along I have stated that the Restart program that has been working there should
be allowed to progress as promised, and that the school and its students should
be the recipients of future educational resources. As I stated at the public
hearing held at Grover Cleveland, as an elected official in the area, I look
forward to working with all those who are interested in promoting the bright
future of that high school.
Both John Adams and Richmond Hill High
Schools have very long histories in their respective neighborhoods and I
believe valid, credible arguments were made to have them removed from the
“turnaround” list. In my statements made at the John Adams High School public
hearing, I emphasized that it had improved its performance under the Restart
program and should be permitted to continue its course. Perhaps there is still
hope that both can at least retain their names and keep their
respective faculties.
My paramount concern is to provide our students
with a sound education upon which they can build their dreams of higher
education and occupations. Now that the DOE panel has made its decision, I
think we should reflect that all people who were involved in this decision, and
in the "transformation" and "turnaround" processes of
school evaluations, should remain open to ways to listen to, and to use,
community input and feedback. I will continue to work toward a better
educational environment for the affected administration, faculty and students
of the two new high schools that will open within those buildings in
September. During the coming months, I'll be working on getting
answers for all those concerned with the "turnaround" process
and what it means to the students, staff, administration and community.
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