Parents have a chance to determine the future of their children’s schools.
All they have to do is attend a public hearing on August 6 about a proposal to open a charter school in School Districts 20 or 21, which include Bay Ridge, Fort Hamilton, Borough Park, Coney Island and Bensonhurst.
If the charter school, dubbed Brooklyn Dreams, were to open, it could affect several local schools. That’s because when charter schools are unable to secure their own space in private buildings, they often ask existing public schools to relinquish classrooms so they can move in.
The creation of a new charter school could also mean financial losses for existing public schools. Under the city Department of Education’s (DOE) new funding system, money is allocated to schools based on the number of students enrolled. So if students enroll in the charter school rather than traditional public schools, those traditional schools will miss out on thousands of dollars.
Considering the impact of the charter school’s creation, District 20’s Community Education Council (CEC), a volunteer parents’ group hosting the public hearing, is asking parents to attend the forum to learn about plans for the school and offer their opinions to DOE officials.
“Attending the public hearing is important for parents so they can learn about charter schools in general – how are they different, what is the criteria for admission, how are the schools rated, what is different about the curriculum?” explained District 20 CEC President Laurie Windsor. “Also, more specifically, how will it affect their children if this or any other charter school should open in District 20.”
The DOE and state Board of Regents are currently reviewing an application to open the Brooklyn Dreams Charter School.
According to DOE records, Brooklyn Dreams would serve kindergarten to eighth grade and promote “integrity, academic excellence and accountability.”
Charter schools are meant for struggling districts with poor student achievement.
“Parents need to be informed so they can evaluate if this is an option that they would consider for their child,” Windsor said. “Even if a parent decides that a charter school is not a viable alternative for them, then what does that mean to the surrounding schools and the impact it can have on their child?”
The public hearing will be held on August 6 at 7 p.m. at 415 89th Street in the fourth-floor conference room. For more information, contact District 20’s CEC at 718-759-3921.
Comments about the Brooklyn Dreams application can be sent to the DOE by e-mailing charterschools@schools.nyc.gov until August 15.
