Sen. Gounardes and Council Member Brannan Want To Build Specialized High School in Southern Brooklyn
State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Council Member Justin Brannan urged Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza to build a new specialized high school in southern Brooklyn at the site of the soon-to-be closed Bishop Kearney School at 2202 60th Street in Brooklyn. In a letter to the Mayor and the Chancellor, the elected officials pledged that they would work closely with the City agencies to bring a long-hoped-for specialized high school to the area. Students from three southern Brooklyn School Districts — 20, 21 and 22 — constitute about 25% of the enrolled student body at specialized high schools.
Citywide, there is great demand for more specialized high schools. In 2019, only 4,798 out of 27,521 applicants to specialized schools were offered admission. Gounardes and Brannan urged SCA to consider adding seats across the City to dramatically increase enrollment and diversity modeled after CUNY’s expansion in the ‘60s and early ‘70s.
“Every family deserves a world-class education for their child. By expanding the number of seats in specialized schools, we can grow the pie rather than arguing over how to slice it,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “In southern Brooklyn, we have a large number of high-achieving students who would greatly benefit from attending school closer to home. And by dramatically increasing the number of seats Citywide, we will extend educational opportunities to many more New York City children.”
“Nobody wanted to see Bishop Kearney close but this is one way we can turn lemons into lemonade. We know our local school districts are going to continue producing some of the highest achieving students in the city. Why not give these smart and eager 8th graders an expanded choice of specialized high schools right here in southern Brooklyn and, in the process, create more opportunities for everyone – colloquially known as a win-win,” said Council Member Justin Brannan.
As a parent of a college student I have so many things to say. First, our school systems stinks. Kids aren’t learning anymore. They’re being trained to take tests which to many schools important. I also worked in K-5, JHS, HS as a professional and honestly these kids are not too bright. They hate school, have no respect for their teachers. They’re not interested in learning how to take tests. Spelling isn’t taught, Common Core is too difficult for both teacher/student to pick up. How about going back to basics. Reading, writting and Arithmetic. Teach script, teach how to save $$$, write a check, sew clothes, cook, wood work, automotive training. My biggest issue is get rid of Bussing!!!! Waste of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Years ago we went to our neighborhood schools, made friends with our neighbors, walked to school, and all that $$$ spent on bussing can go to better salaries, more supplies, more teachers. Bus drivers sit for hours after dropping kids off and that’s a waste of $$$. Since making all these school “specialized” it’s hurt a lot of kids. If they’re smart they’ll do well. If you put the same curriculum in all the schools with all of the basics these kids will thrive! A test shouldn’t PROVE they’re better than another student. Our politicians have totally screwed up our school system, more things have been REMOVED than PUT INTO TEACHING OUR KIDS. It’s an embarrassment what has happened to our schools. Make them all the same and no one will be the worse for wear. Ask kids today how they feel about school, they all hate it. It’s become Quantity not Quality anymore and it’s sad. These kids today have no social skills, no knowledge of how to cook, sew, write a check, communicate. We need more carpenters, automechanics, chefs, normal kids that don’t have to worry about taking a test that will judge their intelligence! You politicians did well back in the day, now give these kids a change. Get rid of the Greed!!!