At least that many spots went unfilled as a result of the new…
Some 40 seats at Townsend Harris High School, one of the most selective public high schools in the city, could be empty when the ninth-grade class for 300 students starts school this fall.
At least that many spots went unfilled as a result of the new high school application process, Councilman John Liu (D-Flushing) said.
“This is an unacceptable situation. In Queens many of our high schools are overcrowded,” Liu said. “It’s inconceivable that we’re letting seats go empty, especially seats at some of the most desirable high schools.”
Principal Tom Cunningham at Townsend Harris High School, at 149-11 Melbourne Ave., did not return calls for comment.
“The procedure has been flawed in that it did not provide for waiting lists,” Liu said.
Reforms to the high school admissions process allowed students to apply to 12 schools. The placements were made based on the closest match between both the students’ and schools’ preferences.
“The procedure did not anticipate that some students would actually decline admission after being accepted into the school,” Liu said.
The City Council Education Committee, backed by Speaker Gifford Miller (D-Manhattan) and the entire City Council, urged the city Department of Education to make reforms last week in order to rectify this situation.
“We’ve called upon the Department of Education to make adjustments to the policy and do it right away so that none of those seats go unfilled,” Liu said.
The Department of Education did not return calls for comment.
—Cynthia Koons
