New York City Public School parents with multiple children may find it easier to send their children to one school instead of separate campuses if a bill sponsored by Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. passes in the State Senate.
As a member of the State Senate Education Committee, Addabbo, representing District 15, has sponsored a bill (S.9912) to give admission preference to students whose siblings are already attending the same public elementary or middle school.
Addabbo says his bill aims to eliminate the need for parents to pick up their children at different schools and allow for a fair admissions process for families. Preferential treatment for siblings, specifically under one school building, is also said to help build stronger neighborhood alumni networks.
“At times, the public school admissions process places parents in a practically impossible situation – get their children to and pick them up from two different schools at the same time,” Addabbo said. “The unnecessary stress on the parent can be avoided with rational thought and common sense. By giving preference to siblings in school applications, we are supporting our families and building a stronger community in our schools.”
The Queens legislator plans to push the bill forward in the 2025 legislative session, further gaining support from colleagues and constituents in need.
