Serrano Urgest Doe To Protect Students In Midst Of School Closures

New York, NY – State Senator José M. Serrano (D-Manhattan/Bronx) today expressed concern over the closure of six public schools by the New York City Department of Education.

Four of the schools are located in the 28 th Senate District, which he represents.

"East Harlem and the South Bronx are strongly impacted by this first wave of closures," said Serrano, who is a member of the Senate Education and Higher Education Committees. "If anything, it confirms that low-income neighborhoods have just not been getting the attention and resources they deserve."

He continued: "We need a concerted effort by the city to reverse the neglect. I intend to keep a close eye on these facilities – and make sure that existing students are not only provided a space in the reconstituted schools, but also receive the highest quality education."

Serrano urged the Department of Education to protect certain programs at the existing schools. "P.S. 101 has a fabulous pre-kindergarten program, not to mention a first-of-its-kind dual language program," he said.

"No matter what that school becomes, I believe the two programs must remain in place," said the Senator.