December 14, 2009

Dear New Yorker,

This Wednesday, December 16th, beginning at 1 p.m. at City Hall, the New York City Council will be holding a public oversight hearing on the New York City Department of Education's (DOE) Five-Year Capital Plan Amendment. 

 The City Council, together with parents and other elected officials, has been fighting hard to increase the number of seats in city schools in order to help relieve overcrowding and address the growing needs of our communities.  

 We took a major step in the right direction with the DOE's proposed amendment to the Five-Year Capital Plan, which increases the number of new classroom seats by a total of 5,123.  (To view the proposed amendment in its entirety, click here.) 

 We invite all parents, students, educators, advocates, and other interested parties to testify at this hearing.  Please be sure to fill out a witness slip when you arrive at City Hall this Wednesday if you wish to testify on this topic.  Slips will be available at the Sergeant-of-Arms' desk inside City Hall.

Date:  Wednesday, December 16th  

Time:  1:00 p.m. (*public testimony will begin sometime after 2:30 p.m.)

Place:  Council Chambers, City Hall

DOE Open Comment Period:

The DOE is also inviting the public to comment on their proposed amendment.  From December 1st through January 15th, folks will have the opportunity to suggest projects in schools in need of funding, weigh in on how these new classroom seats are distributed and ultimately help shape the final outcome of the amendment. 

Oral comments can be left at 212-374-6853.  Written comments can also be sent to capitalplan@schools.nyc.gov. 

If you would like your council member to submit a project suggestion on your behalf, please send all relevant information to their office before January 6, 2009.  You can find contact information for your council member here.  

School overcrowding is a huge issue facing our City.  With your input and support, the City Council will continue to push for the construction of more classroom space where our students can learn and thrive. 

Sincerely, 

Christine C. Quinn

Speaker

New York City Council

Robert Jackson

Chair, Education Committee

New York City Council