An open letter to city School Chancellor Cathleen Black:
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you regarding a matter of great concern to the students and parents of PS/IS 128 in Middle Village.
It has come to my attention that the city Department of Education has informed PS/IS 128 that it must expend its entire reserve budget allotment or surrender 50 percent (subsequently changed to 30 percent) of that total to the city. The DOE’s demand that PS/IS 128 hastily spend funds that have been carefully saved for the past three years and were to be used to assist the transition from K-5 to K-8 is not only unrealistic but also counterproductive.
I understand that many eighth-grade mandates are set to begin next year, such as Regent math and science courses as well as foreign language opportunities, and these PS/IS 128 monies were part of the school’s three-year plan to address this. The looming prospect of severe budget cuts from the city and state levels and the fact that PS/IS 128 is a non-Title I school will only aggravate the consequences of this action.
Therefore, I request the DOE reconsider its position as to the budget of our schools, here mentioned PS/IS 128, so the funds that have been saved over the past three years are spent in a rational and efficient manner.
Thank you for your consideration and attention to this matter. If you should have any questions regarding the above matter or if I can be of further assistance, please contact me.
Joseph Addabbo Jr.
State Senator
(D-Howard Beach)
