A shocking new report does not reflect well on the New York City public school system. The New York Post is reporting PS 106, is allocated $2.9 million to serve a low-income population in Far Rockaway, Queens. 98% of the school’s student body is eligible for free lunch. And as a ‘Title 1 school,’ it receives additional federal funds.
But there’s one small problem, whistleblowers now claim the school is in complete and utter disrepair. The students have no math or reading and writing books to compliment the Common Core curriculum that has been implemented in New York. The school’s 234 students have no gym or art classes, and the library has been described as a “junk room.” The school nurse does not have an office equipped with a sink, refrigerator, or cot. And there are no substitute teachers. Instead, students in classrooms without teachers are reallocated amongst other classes.
To make matters worse, the Post reports a classroom that includes learning-disabled children doesn’t have the required special-ed co-teacher. Meanwhile, parents have said about 40 kindergartners are forced sit in dilapidated trailers that reek of “animal urine,” while rats and squirrels noisily scamper in the walls and ceiling.
The principle, Marcella Sills, who joined PS 106 nine years ago, rarely shows up to school despite her $128,207 per year salary.
Read the entire New York Post report HERE.
“If the claims are true, it might be the worst school ever in America,” Glenn said. “Let me ask you a question: When will we, as a people decide: I don't need to have my kid in your crappy school… I have a right to pull my kid out of your school. If I were a parent there, and I didn't send my kid to that school, they would come and collect my kid, because they would say that I was being a bad parent. When do we have the right to stand up and say: Who does the state think they are?”
There are several disturbing layers to this story, but one involves a lack of parental input and concern. While the Post report of the story contains quotes from several frustrated parents, where are the other 200 plus parents whose children attend that school?
“Now, the problem here is, there are very few parents who care,” Glenn said. “There are very few parents sitting down at a meal with their kids saying ‘How was school today?’ ‘We have watched Fat Albert.’ ‘What do you mean?’”
That is not to say, however, the school boards and state/local governments that run the schools are not to blame. In fact, they bare the brunt of the responsibility. But as citizens, we bare the responsibility of fighting back against the crimes we see.
“This is a horror show,” Glenn said. “And people always talk about the greed of those people who aren't willing to pay their fair share in taxes, the greed of companies, but nobody is willing to talk about the greed of the politician. Nobody is willing to talk about the greed of the government because the government is deemed by the press as benevolent. It's not benevolent. It's fire. Unless you treat it like fire, it will burn you. If you are alert and knowledgeable, you will be able to make sure that it remains in its rightful place.”
