Black Gets Lesson On Boro Schools BY JESSICA ABLAMSKY
Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 17-23, 2010
gether,” Lancman said. Gennaro said he hopes that the preservation of the Gateway Program will serve as a model for other communities. It is unclear whether the new schools will accommodate the 17 percent English language learners and 12 percent special education students enrolled at Jamaica. “It is our responsibility as elected officials,” Schools Chancellor Designee Cathie Black walks up the steps Lancman said, “to make of Hillcrest High School flanked by State Sen. Malcolm Smith sure that these kids don’t (l.) and Assemblyman Rory Lancman (r.). get lost in the shuffle.” Something that Lancman hopes will Pointing out the diversity of schools like Hillcrest, State Sen. Malcolm Smith change under Black’s leadership is the (D-St. Albans) said, “It is very important lack of attention paid to class size; outgofor [Black] to see that kind of diversity.” ing Chancellor Joel Klein never believed Only large high schools like Hillcrest that class size was an important issue, can meet the needs of a diverse popula- Lancman said. “When I first heard of Cathie Black’s tion, Lancman said. Although he did speak to Black appointment I was surprised, but I am tryabout Jamaica, Lancman suggested to ing to see the optimism in it,” he said. Mayor Mike Bloomberg has made eduher that large schools could benefit by being broken down into smaller learn- cation reform a central part of his administration and would not appoint a chaning communities. To create a small school feel, Hillcrest’s cellor who would damage his record, more than 3,000 students are organized Gennaro said. Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at into nine smaller learning communities, each with its own theme, course offerings, jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124. guidance counselors and teachers.
PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen
Chancellor-designate Cathie Black graced Queens with a tour of Hillcrest High School Monday, before Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest) and Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) announced an additional school that will be phased in at the Jamaica High School building next year. Not allowed into Hillcrest, reporters from multiple outlets waited nearly an hour and a half for Black, who answered a handful of questions. “I have been very impressed with Hillcrest and every school I have visited,” said Black, who thought she has seen 10 schools already. With less than three weeks until her official start date, and spending nearly every day in New York City’s public schools, Black said that she is ready to take on her new responsibilities. “My sleeves are rolled up,” she said. With four schools in Queens proposed for closure and 26 in the City, Black might have her work cut out for her. After the City Dept. of Education was blocked by the courts last year from closing 19 schools, in early December Jamaica High School was again proposed for closure. If approved by the Panel for Educational Policy in February, phase out of the more than 100-year-old school would begin next year and end June 2014.
Though the exterior structure is protected by landmark status, taking Jamaica High School’s place will be the Hillside Arts & Letters Academy and the High School for Community Leadership. Both schools opened in the fall inside Jamaica High School. In response to pressure from the community, Jamaica’s successful Gateway Program will be expanded into its own school. Phase in will begin next fall and be complete by June 2015. Currently, 180 students are enrolled. Designed to prepare low-income, minority students for health-and science-related careers, the academically rigorous program keeps students and a team of teachers together through high school. To attract a wide range of academic performers, 16 percent of seats will be set aside for students at the highest reading levels and 16 percent for those at the lowest. Half the students will be chosen by school administrators. The other half will be random. Lancman and Gennaro heralded the DOE decision as a win. After DOE officials decide on “closure,” a new school concept is generally chosen as a replacement. “The new Gateway School preserves the very best that Jamaica High School has to offer, and its establishment is an example of what communities and the DOE can accomplish when they work to-