Paterson parents seek answers after school district announces closures
Many Paterson parents came out - even filling an overflow room at the Board of Education building, in hopes of getting more information on the impending school closures and to plead with the board to halt the plans.
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There were contentious moments during a Paterson School board meeting on Wednesday night - first between members of the board and administrators and then during public comments.
Iliana Vargas has a child in the school district and offered a warning to the board.
"Do not get comfortable in your seats because every parent in here has the power to vote you out, and we will remember the harm you are causing our children, our families and especially our teachers," Vargas said.
Many Paterson parents came out - even filling an overflow room at the Board of Education building, in hopes of getting more information on the impending school closures and to plead with the board to halt the plans.
"We're hoping for at least pause the closures. Look really into it. Is it going to better these kids or is it going to hurt them in the future?" Shalena Rivera said.
According to Dr. Laurie Newell, the superintendent of Paterson Public Schools, this is Phase 3 of a plan that went into motion over a decade ago citing equity in the school district and overcrowded classrooms.
RELATED: Paterson parents speak out as district announces four school closures
"Redistricting work, was started by my predecessor in 2015 and we are now in Phase 3. One of the things we're accomplishing through the redistricting process is bringing more equity to the district," Newell said.
Iasha Harris, another parent with children in the district, says they never got notice until it was a done deal.
"I was never aware of this happening before. Even the transition that happened last year with the other students, I wasn't aware of that even if we were I wasn't aware that my daughter's school was going to be a part of the next phase," Harris said.
Parents still say they are not satisfied with what the board had to say, and their concerns for their children's education remain.
"It just doesn't make sense they're saying that it's to better our children's education, but this is going to hinder their education cause in their school, they're thriving," Rivera said.
Alexander Hamilton Academy, Renaissance School 1, Norman S. Weir and Young Men's Leadership Academy are set to close at the end of this school year.
