Summary of our August 27, 2007, Meeting with NYC Mayor's Office
based on notes by Mr. Edward Henry
In attendance:
For the Mayor's Office and the Department of Education (DOE):
Gwen Goodwin gavce an overview of the historyof P.S. 109. After the history had been reprised, Gwen read the statistical reports from Leonie Haimson of Class Size Matters, which collected the statistics, and the United Federation of Teachers. Mr. Tolbert then stated that there was only a 75% utilization of school resources in District #4. "There is not an overcrowding issue in District #4," Mr. Walcott then added. "It would not be cost-effective to renovate P.S. 109." Mr. Meyers questioned the methodology of the "Blue Book", on which any denials of overcrowding are based. He explained that the figures are based on the number of seats, and does not take into account, or covers up, that seats have often been added by displacing cluster spaces that are required for specialized uses such as music, art, science lab and physical gym instruction and activities. Rev. Eddy and Ms. Bernardez each referred to four questions relative to P.S. 109, and Rev. Eddy then posed these questions:
Mr. Walcott and Mr. Tolbert both acknowleged thnat the Chancellor had received copies of the petitions. However, they insisted that at the present time, no monies are allocated for P.S. 109 restoration. Mr. Walcott did, however, agree to visit District #4, and see first hand the overcrowded conditions in the public schools. As of this date, no time frame has been established for this visit. Meeting adjourned at 2:42pm. |