Next Tuesday, A Chance To Give Input On PS/IS 437 Zoning & Impact On PS 130

Neighbors will have a chance to give important input at a July 15 meeting on the zoning and usage of a new school, PS/IS 437, which is now under construction on Caton Avenue and E 7th Street and is slated to open in September 2015, as well as on the impact the new school will have on PS 130.

The District 15 Community Education Council meeting will be held Tuesday, July 15 at 6:30 pm at PS 130 (70 Ocean Parkway). All are welcome to attend the event, and childcare will be provided.

PS/IS 437 will include both elementary and middle school seats, and parents have stressed that because the new facility is located so close to PS 130, it will have a significant effect on the community.

From a flyer by PS 130 parents about the meeting:

One possibility under consideration is expanding PS 130 to use both buildings to create an upper and lower school. The idea is to use the new 437 building as an upper school and current building as a lower school similar to the PS 230 model. An upper and lower school at PS 130 would:

• Maintain the diversity of the population vs. splitting the zone and thus the community and resources.

• Relieve overcrowding immediately when the 437 building opens in September 2015 instead of a grade by grade integration starting only with Kindergarten and possibly first grade in 2015.

• Provide a larger population of students (1,025 vs. 325) with new resources like a gym, science lab, art room, library, auditorium, etc.

• Utilize an already organized and hardworking PTA, SLT and general parent and school community versus starting one from scratch. 130 has great momentum!

• Possible programming and planning benefits for upper school students and teachers who will be in same space as a middle school (437 will also house a 6-8 Intermediate School).

• Possible space for additional full day Pre-K.

We urge as many parents & community members as possible to come to this meeting and help support the PS 130 Expansion!