By Ivan Pereira
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The city contends Jamaica High School’s track record warrants its closing next school year, but teachers, students and alumni are fighting back, claiming the city Department of Education’s phase-out will further deter academics for teens in the borough.
The school held an emergency meeting last Thursday at the school and invited dozens of people, including alumni and community civic groups, to discuss ways on how to prevent the end of the historic high school. Two weeks ago, the department announced that a proposal to phase out Jamaica High School, at 167-01 Gothic Drive, starting next school year because the school has had a declining graduation rate and poor report card performance.
Principal Walter Acham said the school is far from a failing institution because over the last few years the students have been working hard and promoting school spirit.
“I’m very comfortable in saying in 30 years in education … there’s not a school that I’ve worked with that is worth saving than this,” he said.
The principal and several teachers said they were shocked when they received word of the proposal, which could be finalized by the city in January. Although the DOE has not said what it will do with the space if the proposal is finalized, there is an indication it would place several smaller schools in the building.
Longtime social studies teacher Julia Schlakman said she was personally appalled by the decision because she has spent years preparing her students for college.
“I have a curriculum to teach, but at the same time if there is an essay, I take time to sit with them and make sure they are reading and writing,” she said.
The city, however, claims the school is not doing enough. Jamaica High’s recent report card grade was a D and the graduation rate was below 50 percent, according to the DOE.
In 2007, the school was placed on the state’s “persistently dangerous schools” list due to a large number of disciplinary problems. At the start of that school year, Jamaica High fired its principal and hired Acham, who students say worked to straighten out the school. A year later, it was taken off the list but not too many people got the good news, according to students and administrators.
Parents received letters advising them about the school being put on the list but no notice was given when it was taken off, according to teachers and administrators. Senior Racheal Ali said she saw an improvement in the student body because a lot of teenagers wanted to come to class.
“If they put four more schools [in here], they’re going to waste more money than investing in reconstructing the school,” she said.
The 107-year-old school was also recognized by the city Landmarks Preservation Commission as a historically significant building in the spring. Alumni who attended the meeting, including New York Times writer George Vecsey, said they have seen the improvement at the school and want it to have a longer lasting life.
“You guys are great. We really love you,” said alumnus Wally Schwartz, a. longtime attorney who frequently revisits the school.
There is hope for the school, since the city is accepting e-mail feedback and will be holding a public meeting at the campus Jan. 7. James Vasquez, a representative from the United Federation of Teachers, said the best way to save the school would be to show the city ways it can be a viable learning institution for future classes.
Acham agreed and said he and his school family have been unified to make sure the phase-out does not become a reality.
“This can be addressed properly and fixed,” the principal said.
