March 19, 2014 By Christian Murray
The Department of Education may not require PS 11 to send its incoming class of kindergarten children to Astoria (14-14 29 Ave.) this fall.
Last month the DOE told elected officials that the school’s incoming class of kindergarten kids would be sent to PS 171 in Astoria each day by bus, since PS 11 is about to undergo construction and one of the existing buildings that caters to 200 students is about to be demolished.
The final decision was supposed to be made earlier this week at a Panel for Education Policy meeting. However, the panel elected to delay the vote, which pleased elected officials and parents.
Many parents are opposed to their 4- and 5-year-olds having to get on a bus each day to go to 2 1/2 miles to Astoria. They want them to go to an alternative school much closer, such as the new Sunnyside school (PS 339) that is scheduled to open at 45-46 42nd Street this September.
“This is a good step,” said Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer. “It shows they are looking at alternatives.”
Van Bramer, who has been in talks with the mayor’s office, said that typically the PEP generally votes on issues regardless of the opposition. “It is not over,” he said. “It’s a good sign.”
