By Bill Parry
The principal at William Cullen Bryant High School has come under fire in Long Island City.
More than 200 students, parents and teachers called for the ouster of Namita Dwarka during a rally at the school Monday.
Some students charge that Dwarka neglects special-needs students, altered the school’s grading standards to increase graduation rates and that she eliminated some math and science programs.
Supporters of the principal counter that Dwarka increased the number of AP and art classes for next year and provides a well-rounded physical education programs.
One said the group of students taking part in the rally was small, representing less than 2 percent of the student body.
City Department of Education spokeswoman Marge Feinberg would not address the allegations, but did say, “We take these complaints seriously and will continue to work with our school community.”
Dwarka, a graduate of Bryant High School, was appointed principal after the DOE identified Bryant as a low-performing school in 2011.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
