Hundreds seek answers on Huntington school vote
Huntington School Board member Elizabeth Black speaks about creating a 6th grade center at the Jack Abrams Intermediate School. (May 10, 2010) Credit: John Dunn
During the first meeting of the Huntington school board since it voted to create a district-wide sixth-grade center at Jack Abrams Intermediate School, hundreds of parents showed up last night demanding answers.
The board's action has generated controversy because it means all district students attend at least one year at the school that has been at the center of a safety debate.
During the first of two public commentary sessions at Jack Abrams, parents alternately applauded the board and chastised them over the vote.
"I'd like to take the time to thank the board for moving ahead with this decision," said Jeff Moss, a Jack Abrams parent. "This decision represents true compromise and quality for all students."
The Huntington Station campus of Jack Abrams has been the focus of a community-wide discussion over student safety after shots were fired during school hours on March 11 and district Superintendent John Finello said violence had compromised safety in the area.
On April 19, toward the end of a five-hour meeting, the school board voted 4-3 to send all fourth- and fifth-graders in September to the district's other intermediate school, Woodhull, with all sixth-graders attending Jack Abrams.
The four board members who approved the plan, Bill Dwyer, Emily Rogan, Chris Bene and Kim Brown, have publicly defended their decision to send all district sixth-graders through Jack Abrams as a unifying effort and one that allows "unique educational opportunities."
"Yes, people came together united in anger, controversy, difference and conflict. This decision has divided the community further," said Denise Stieve, a parent who opposes the decision. "Where is it in your goals for the year that you are to unify the community?"
In the weeks since the vote, parents have complained that they were not given enough opportunity to weigh in on the idea. Divisions in the district have grown, with parents creating petitions and alliances. Some have advocated relocating all students from the building, overturning the board's vote and keeping students in their current buildings until a long-term solution can be worked out. Others wish to keep the building a school in some form.
