A city panel voted to shutter two dozen struggling schools in Brooklyn Thursday night, despite protests from more than 100 teachers, parents and students who had urged authorities to reject the proposal.
The latest plan to close 24 schools makes for a total 47 school closings across the city for the year (the other 23 schools were voted closed in February). That's the highest total in history, according to the teachers' union.
It's all part of the city's plan to close down underperforming schools and reopen them under new management -- essentially, mayoral control -- the following semester or school year.
Protesters addressed the Panel for Educational Policy during the public comment period before the vote in Prospect Heights. Most were hoping to convince the committee not to close the 24 failing schools, with Brooklyn's borough president firing up the crowd.
"Rather than close the schools, give them the resources they need to make it!" said Marty Markowitz.
There were also protesters inspired by Occupy Wall Street.
"They can't shut us down if we occupy these schools in the thousands," said Marjorie Stamberg, a teacher.
Many in the crowd blamed the city for mismanagement of schools. Maria Ortega, the eighth principal in four years at the soon-to-close Junior High 166 in Brooklyn, alleged the Department of Education "designed the school to fail."
Local
Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott reminded parents that the failing schools will be replaced by new ones this fall.
"This is all about our students and making sure our students benefit in the long run," said Walcott.
But the move could affect teachers across the city.
"All the teachers get fired, and 50 percent get hired back," said teacher Wendy Cortez, who faces an unsettling summer. "I feel heartbroken about it."
Get the latest from NBC 4 New York anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Get our apps here and sign up for email newsletters here. Get breaking news delivered right to your phone -- just text NYBREAKING to 639710. For more info, text HELP. To end, text STOP. Message and data rates may apply.
