Statement from Speaker Adams on DOE's Withdrawal of Proposed School Co-Locations in Southeast Queens

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Statement from Speaker Adams on Department of Education’s Withdrawal of Proposed School Co-Locations in Southeast Queens

Adrienne Adams Speaker of The NYC Council Photo Credit

“The Department of Education has made the right decision to withdraw its proposal to co-locate new Success Academy charter elementary schools within school buildings in Southeast Queens, including Building Q072 in School District 28. The Southeast Queens community united in opposition to the co-location plans, which would have impeded the academic progress of our students. 

“Placing an additional charter school in Q072 would have undermined access to the shared facilities, including the gymnasium, cafeteria, bathrooms, and outdoor recreational space, for the existing schools. Two of those schools received federal magnet grants that facilitate their increased enrollment over the next five years, and this co-location would have hindered the schools’ growth and abilities to provide vital programs and resources to students.

Students at Catherine & Count Basie Middle School 72, Redwood Middle School, and Public School 993 deserve more access to facilities and support, not less.

“Since serving as Education Chair for Queens Community Board 12 more than a decade ago, I have prioritized the needs of students and families in Southeast Queens, who have faced decades of under-investment. I have historically opposed school co-locations that set school communities back and negatively impact the education of our students, and I emphatically reject this proposal as well. I stand with the MS 72 School Leadership Team, Queens Community Board 12, Community Education Council (CEC) District 28, and the students, parents, and educators in Southeast Queens who all opposed this co-location plan. I am heartened that their voices were heard by the Department of Education, and I urge the City to search for other locations that would not result in negative impacts for our existing schools and their students.”

New York Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
Adrienne Adams is the first Black woman to be selected as New York City Council Speaker.  Adrienne Adams, will be the Speaker of what is referred to as the most diverse New York City Council in history, with more women elected than ever before in the governing body.

According to her NYC Council Biography Adams was "Elected to the City Council in November 2017, she is also the first woman to represent District 28, which encompasses the Queens neighborhoods of Jamaica, Richmond Hill, Rochdale Village, and South Ozone Park."