Gianaris, Simotas, Constantinides Send Letter in Support of Most Precious Blood School

- Ask Diocese to Reconsider Shutting Down School -

(Astoria, NY) Following the Diocese of Brooklyn’s announcement that the Most Precious Blood School in Astoria would close at the end of the 2014-2015 school year, Senator Michael Gianaris, Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, and Council Member Costa Constantinides wrote a letter to the Diocese to express concern over the immediacy of the impending closure and request that the Diocese explore any and all options to keep the school open.

“The outpouring of support from the community and the fear parents are now experiencing over the planned closure of the Most Precious Blood School demonstrate just how much this institution means to our neighbors,” said Senator Michael Gianaris. “I sincerely hope that the Diocese listens to the voices of our community and recommits itself to trying to find a way to keep this beloved school open.”

“Closing Most Precious Blood would do a tremendous disservice to the 315 students who are currently enrolled, and would deprive future students of an opportunity to learn in a cherished school which has served our community for over fifty years,” said Assemblymember Simotas.

Council Member Costa Constantinides said, "I am deeply saddened about the decision that Most Precious Blood School has made to close at the end of this school year without any community input.  The school has been a fixture in our community since the 1950s and the parents made a conscious decision to send their children there because it is such a beloved institution.  I have several family members and friends that have attended and consider it an integral part of our community.  My office stands with our community and hope that this decision can be changed."

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