UFT: Treat students and staff in closing schools with dignity and respect

Dec 4, 2007 3:05 PM

The Department of Education is closing 14 city schools that earned Ds or Fs on the School Progress Reports. The DOE began notifying principals, staffers and parents at the affected schools, raising concerns and uncertainty in each school community.

In response, UFT President Randi Weingarten and UFT Vice President Leo Casey issued the following statement:

“Since becoming aware of proposed school closings by the city Department of Education several weeks ago, the United Federation of Teachers has been discussing the matter with the DOE, and officials there seemed to listen and seriously consider most of our concerns. Now the DOE is beginning the process of notifying the staffs, parents and students of the affected schools, which naturally can cause concern and apprehension for those whose lives are being touched.

“These closings represent a major upheaval for all involved, and it is important that every effort is made to ensure that everyone affected is treated with care, dignity and respect. That means students in the affected schools should be assured of a full education as the schools are phased out, and they should have every opportunity to successfully complete their education. It also means that staff members who choose to stay on during the phase-out years should have opportunities to work in other schools.”