75 Morton School Update

On June 13, along with Assembly Member Glick, Council Member Johnson, representatives of Congressman Nadler and Borough President Brewer, as well as parent advocates, I met with the School Construction Authority (SCA) to discuss plans for the new school to be established at 75 Morton. The SCA has firmly committed to having the building ready to open in September 2017, and shared with us floor-by-floor plans that include 10 classrooms per grade level, a dedicated space for District 75 students, and an outdoor play space. Certain other elements, such as the possibility of a school-based health clinic and the design of the gymnasium and auditorium, were the subject of discussion at a school district-wide forum this week. Much work remains to be done between now and the time that the school opens, including a gut renovation of the existing building, asbestos abatement, and the removal of PCBs. I appreciate the speed with which SCA is moving forward on the building's design so that construction can begin, and I thank the agency for its willingness to engage the community in the decision-making process.