New York City's new Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels is facing his first major test in the form of a proposed relocation of an Upper West Side middle school, with parents outraged by the plan. The Center School on West 84th Street, which serves as the hub for the district's arts and music programs, is being considered to be moved from its current location into another building that currently houses P.S./I.S. 191 on 61st Street.
Parents at both schools say they are opposed to the plan, citing concerns over class sizes, special education services, and cultural identities. The proposed move would not only disrupt the Center School's unique program, but also its diverse student body, as it serves a predominantly white population with many students who have been here for years.
Critics of the proposal point to Samuels' own track record on school mergers as a reason to be skeptical. He previously oversaw successful mergers in Brooklyn that increased diversity and improved enrollment numbers. However, his current plan seems to be having the opposite effect, fueling fears of gentrification and erasure of cultural identities.
The relocation plan has also sparked tensions between parents from different schools, with some arguing that it's a "swap out" rather than a genuine effort to improve diversity and equity. Parents are circulating petitions and speaking out against the move, emphasizing the need for authentic community engagement in school planning.
While an official decision on the Center School's relocation has not been made, Chancellor Samuels' office says it is committed to consulting closely with parents, educators, and local partners as they weigh their options. However, many are left wondering if the administration is truly listening to their concerns or just trying to push through a plan that benefits the city at large.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Kamar Samuels' reputation for navigating complex school issues hangs in the balance. Can he prove his commitment to community-driven decision-making and avoid further dividing already polarized communities? Only time will tell.
Parents at both schools say they are opposed to the plan, citing concerns over class sizes, special education services, and cultural identities. The proposed move would not only disrupt the Center School's unique program, but also its diverse student body, as it serves a predominantly white population with many students who have been here for years.
Critics of the proposal point to Samuels' own track record on school mergers as a reason to be skeptical. He previously oversaw successful mergers in Brooklyn that increased diversity and improved enrollment numbers. However, his current plan seems to be having the opposite effect, fueling fears of gentrification and erasure of cultural identities.
The relocation plan has also sparked tensions between parents from different schools, with some arguing that it's a "swap out" rather than a genuine effort to improve diversity and equity. Parents are circulating petitions and speaking out against the move, emphasizing the need for authentic community engagement in school planning.
While an official decision on the Center School's relocation has not been made, Chancellor Samuels' office says it is committed to consulting closely with parents, educators, and local partners as they weigh their options. However, many are left wondering if the administration is truly listening to their concerns or just trying to push through a plan that benefits the city at large.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Kamar Samuels' reputation for navigating complex school issues hangs in the balance. Can he prove his commitment to community-driven decision-making and avoid further dividing already polarized communities? Only time will tell.
. I live near Upper West Side and I love that arts program at The Center School - it's such a unique part of the community vibe. Relocating it just doesn't seem like the right move, especially considering how much parent feedback is telling us that diversity is already being lost here. If Kamar Samuels really wants to make a difference he needs to listen more and think less about what's best for the city. Maybe instead of moving schools we should be exploring ways to keep programs like The Center School thriving where they are? 
. It's not just about class sizes and special ed services, it's about preserving a cultural space that brings together students from different backgrounds 
. The fact that this plan seems to be driven by gentrification concerns doesn't help either - it feels like an attempt to push out long-time families and replace them with newer, more affluent ones 
. I hope Chancellor Samuels' office is taking the time to listen to parents' concerns and really engage with the community before making a decision 
. We need leaders who prioritize empathy and inclusivity over bureaucratic efficiency 
! They're just gonna barge in and disrupt the whole vibe of that middle school?! It's not just about class sizes, special ed services, it's about preserving the culture and community that those kids are a part of 
. And what really gets me is that they're trying to pawn this off as some kind of "improvement" when really it's just another example of them not listening to the people 
. I mean, Kamar Samuels has already shown us he can do better in Brooklyn, so why are we just gonna take his word for it now?! This whole thing is just so frustrating 
.
i mean who wants to mess with a successful arts program like that? it's not just about the school itself but also about preserving the community that comes with it... parents are right to be skeptical, especially when samuels has already shown his track record on mergers 
. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's cool that they're trying to improve diversity and equity, but how about involving them in the planning process from the start instead of just "consulting" afterwards? 
Interesting how the Chancellor is walking a fine line between pleasing the city and listening to his constituents 
First off, it's not like the Center School isn't an amazing resource for arts and music programs - why would you even think of moving it? 
And don't even get me started on class sizes and special ed services... this plan is basically saying "forget about our students' needs" 
The fact that parents are circulating petitions and speaking out against it shows there's a real community effort going on here, but is that enough to sway Samuels' office? 
It feels like they're more interested in pushing through this plan than actually listening to the people who matter most - the students, parents, and educators themselves. 
Can't we just take a step back and have some real conversations about what's best for everyone involved? 
It's like the city is trying to erase all that culture and history by moving The Center School away from its current hub. And let's be real, Kamar Samuels has got some 'splainin' to do... 
We need to see some real listening and collaboration here, not just empty promises 
... it's like they're taking a page out of that whole 'demolishing our beloved buildings' book from the 90s 
. Remember when they redeveloped Times Square back in the day? It was all about progress, but sometimes I wonder if we lost some of that community spirit in the process 
. These parents are speaking truth to power and I gotta respect that 
... it's about time someone stood up for those little voices that truly matter