Call to Order
The Open Calendar Meeting of CEC 27 was held on November 21st at PS 114- 400 Beach 135 Street Belle Harbor, NY 11694 The meeting began at 7:30 pm and was presided by Dr. Harold Paez, President.
Attendees
Voting members in attendance included- Wendy Pratt-Hall, Sherry Algredo, Jeaneska Rodriguez, Dr. Harold Paez. Paola Strand, Ronnie Murchinson, Josette Grippo and Lisa Johnson Cooper. Joshua Hirschman – Excused absence
Dignitaries in attendance were Assemblywoman Stacey Amato Pheffer, Mitch Noel representing Councilman Richards Office and Ms. Maricela Cano representing Councilman Eric Ulrich’s office.
President’s Report – Dr. Harold Paez, President
Dr. Paez welcomed the Superintendent, DOE Staff and audience members. Dr. Paez also thanked Principal, Mr. Stephen Grill, the chorus, Ms. Levy- choir teacher, Donna Hamlet -President Council and the entire PTA for hosting the CEC. Dr. Paez made the audience aware of the attendance and speaker’s sign in sheet.
The October minutes were accepted by a roll call vote.
The Bylaws revision were read and accepted by a roll call vote.
Dr. Paez reported that CEC 27 now has a website that is up and running. It will raise the profile in the community and we can continue to disseminate information to the school community. The website is WWW.CEC27.com.
Ms. Maricela Cano, the Budget Director from Councilman Ulrich’s office presented on the Participatory Voting Budget. Ms. Cano explained the process to the members, audience and any principals in the building. She stated that Council Members choose to join the Participatory Budgeting group, giving at least $1 million from their budget for the whole community to participate in decision-making. Ms. Cano stated that it is a yearlong process of public meetings, to ensure that people have the time and resources to make informed decisions. Community members discuss local needs and develop proposals to meet these needs. She stated that through a public vote, residents then decide which proposals to fund. Ms. Cano stated that Community members can propose projects like improvements to schools, parks, libraries, public housing, and other public or community spaces with the use of certain “discretionary funds.”
Ms. Cano explained that Discretionary funds are money that a City Council Member allocates. There are two types of discretionary funds. Expense funds are used to pay for salaries and services. Capital funds are used to pay for physical infrastructure “bricks and mortar” projects, like the construction, renovation or repair of city-owned property.
Ms. Cano stated that there is a meeting scheduled on December 1st . Ms. Cano shared with the council that she represents CB9 and Robbie represents CB14. Ms. Cano gave the office number to the audience which is 718-318-6411.
Mr. Noel representing Councilman Richard stated that there is $2mil that is set aside for projects to schools, public safety and the environment. Mr. Noel stated that PS 43 received $150k for a new computer lab. Mr. Noel stated that the deadline is Dec 23rd. Mr. Noel gave the office # 718-471-7014.
Ms. Algredo, First Vice President asked how the community can get involved to become delegates. Mr. Murchinson, member stated that delegates and the community votes for the projects together. Mr. Murchinson shared that the mainland receives $1mil and the Rockaways receives $1mil.
School Safety
Dr. Paez discussed the 2 girls who were hit crossing Cross Bay Blvd., 1 fatally killed. The council shared their concerns regarding the safety of the kids in the neighborhood. The council asked for additional agents or crossing guards in that area to prevent this from happening in the future. Mr. Gibbons stated that crossing guards work part time and only have two shifts. The two shifts are 6:30am – 9:00am and 1pm -4pm.
There was also a question regarding crossing guards crossing children against the light. Mr. Gibbons stated that if there are any issues, then the local commander should be contacted.
Ms. Wendy Pratt Hall stated that there is only one crossing guard at PS 104 and if the crossing guard is out sick, the school is left without anyone. Another concern was having only one crossing guard for the amount of children in the school. Mr. Gibbons stated that if a crossing guard is out sick, then the local precinct should be called, as they will assign someone to take the place of the crossing guard who is out sick. Mr. Murchison suggested a program called the neighborhood Coordinating Office (NCO). The Neighborhood Coordination Officers program was designed to unite police and community as trusted partners in keeping neighborhoods safe. This groundbreaking program was established to build stronger partnerships between the police and the communities they serve. Neighborhood Coordination Officers work closely with the community to identify and manage local concerns, and establish close relationships with the local community.
Mr. Gibbons suggested submitting a letter requesting a crossing guard. Dr. Paez stated that a request will be made for the new school, PS 335 to start the process early.
Mr. Roland Gibbons gave a brief presentation and took questions regarding school safety. Mr. Gibbons stated that if there are any issues parents and staff should call their local precincts. Mr. Gibbons stated that elementary schools are assigned 1 safety agent.
Mr. Gibbons stated that all schools in NYC now have door alarms due to the death of Avonte Oquendo, a special needs student who disappeared from his Queens school in 2013. The bill, known as Avonte’s law requires the Department of Education to assess its buildings for the need for door alarms and other precautions to prevent students from being able to exit their schools unnoticed.
Mr. Gibbons also discussed that last month a middle school child brought a loaded gun to school. He stated that he understands the need for additional safety agents.
Continued President’s Report………
Ms. Paola Strand, Treasurer announced her resignation from the council. She stated how much she has learned and wished the council continued success.
Dr. Paez informed the audience that the court has ordered the city to open school leadership meetings to the public. This includes the media and the public at large. Dr. Paez stated that the law stands and he encourages parents to get involved. Dr. Paez stated that he attended a CEC Consortium which includes the Chancellor. Dr, Paez stated at that meeting, the Chancellor stated that the DOE is working to be more transparent.
Ms. Algredo, First Vice President shared her concerns for the growing number of homeless children in the district. Ms. Algredo stated that she has been on school visits and have not seen all the posters up that is supposed to give homeless families information. The A780 ensures the services and education to all homeless and displaced children.
Dr. Paez stated that there is a Rockaway initiative to increase transparency. This group includes local rockaway schools, CEC members and the CB 14 education subcommittee. The aim of this initiative is to increase communication about educational issues across Rockaway.
Dr. Paez announced that there will be a Joint Public Hearing on the elimination of the 6th grade at PS 45. The hearing will take place at PS 45 on December 15th at 6pm.
Dr. Paez thanked and wished the District 27 community a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
Speakers:
A teacher from PS 114 asked about overcrowding. The parent wanted to know what the class size in the 2nd grade and in the special education classes. The Superintendent stated that the class are capped at 32 and if there are any issues, the union can be contacted regarding class size grievances.
A question was asked regarding the over utilization and additional enrollment at the school. Mr. Murchinson stated that there are three new buildings near and around the school.
Superintendent’s Report – Ms. Mary Barton – See attached on the CEC webpage!
Adjournment
There was a motion to adjourn the Open Calendar meeting. The vote was accepted. The meeting adjourned at 9:00pm.
NYC District 27 CEC 