P.S. 161 Middle-School Phase-Out Thwarts Student Success

I join many of my colleagues in the New York City Council—as well as many Crown Heights parents—in opposing the New York City Department of Education’s truncation of P.S. 161- The Crown from K-8 to K-5, a move which would gradually phase-out the middle school option. 

The school’s principal, Mr. Michael Johnson, was appointed in fall 2011 and is committed to upholding their comprehensive mission to ensure the involvement of students, parents, teachers, staff, and the larger community in developing a wholesome academic environment for the betterment of their students.

I stand with parents in stating that the DOE’s proposal to truncate P.S. 161 impedes this mission and thwarts their success. Since his appointment, Mr. Johnson has adopted a more productive environment— achieving 95% student attendance— and implementing a competitive curriculum to better align the students with City and State education requirements.

P.S. 161 is comprised of dedicated administrators, teachers, and parents who seek to transform this school into a highly sought-after middle-school option. The DOE states that their decision to truncate this school is to “better serve the students in this community.” However, it is truly time that the DOE worked alongside parents and elected officials representing the community in a joint effort to increase resources, support services, and maintain middle-school options in areas of need. 

I ask that the DOE halt this truncation, and support P.S. 161 and Principal Johnson in their work to continue to advance the school in its current K-8 model. It is vital that the Department of Education motivate high-achieving schools, while continuing to provide necessary resources to lower-performing schools to ensure the opportunity to grow, improve, and sustain a progressive working environment for our children.