Adriana Alicea in support of the class size reduction plan in NYC

Below is a long and thoughtful submission to the Class Size Working Group from Adriana Alicea, President, PA of the Lynn Gross Discovery School (PS 175Q), President of the D28 Presidents’ Council and a member of CEC 28.  I also post an excerpt from her conclusion below.

You can email your suggestions and comments to ClassSize@schools.nyc.gov by Wednesday, October 4th at 12 midnight. There is also one more public session on Monday, where you can present your thoughts in person.

Monday, October 2nd – Citywide from 5- 7:30pm in person at the MLK Campus Auditorium, 122 Amsterdam Ave,  Manhattan.

More information about these hearings and a summary of the draft proposals are on the Infohub website here.

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In conclusion, I urge you to support the class size reduction plan in New York City, as it is a critical investment in the future of our children and our community. By reducing class sizes, we can ensure that every student in Queens and across New York City receives the education they need to succeed, aligning our educational standards with those of the developed world. Together, we can create a brighter future for our city, where every child has the opportunity to thrive. ....

Additionally, maintaining arts and STEM programming alongside efforts to reduce class sizes is essential for providing a well-rounded, engaging, and effective education. This approach ensures that students have access to a diverse range of subjects and experiences, setting them up for success both academically and in life. 

Furthermore, prioritizing public school students and postponing charter school co-locations until the class size mandate is fully realized demonstrates a commitment to equitable access to quality education for all students. It allows public schools to focus on improving the learning environment, meeting legal obligations, and providing a stable and supportive educational experience for the communities they serve.

 Lastly, prioritizing public school students and conducting a full audit of spending at the central DOE office are crucial steps in addressing the affordability of smaller class sizes. These actions promote transparency, equity, and efficient resource allocation, ultimately benefitting the education and future prospects of all public school students. -- Adriana Alicea