Learning communities, DOE corruption and more absenteeism
What learning communities have had the biggest impact on your kids or students?
I have been reflecting on the impact of learning communities on my children, as well as the stories shared with me by other families. Schools play a crucial role in education, but the learning loss we are facing with this generation is so significant that we need to look beyond traditional schooling for solutions.
The IAC competitions have had a profound effect on my son. While I often have to bribe him to study other subjects, he voluntarily prepares for the history competitions. Through this experience, he has gained knowledge that far exceeds what any school could offer. He enjoys studying history because he wants to excel in these competitions, and he also earns exciting trips as a bonus—like the nationals in Orlando, FL!
I’d love to hear from you. What learning communities have positively influenced your kids or students? Please reply to this email and share where your children are learning beyond what schools provide!
DOE corruption goes unchecked
Susan Edelman wrote an important article about the corruption at DOE and how the Special Commissioner of Investigation for city schools only investigates 4% of complaints received.
Here are some examples:
After a two-year SCI investigation, Khurshid Abdul-Mutakabbir was ousted as principal of Maspeth High School in 2022, following a Post report on his alleged fraudulent schemes to raise the school’s graduation rate. In a sweetheart deal, the DOE agreed not to fire him, and to keep him on the payroll – with paid vacations, holidays and benefits – for seven years until he retires in 2029. He made $207,418 last year alone.
Oneatha Swinton, convicted of car-insurance fraud in 2018, was removed as principal of Port Richmond HS but kept on the payroll – despite what the SCI called her “pattern of dishonesty.” She improperly funneled $100,000 in school funds to a vendor, and “failed to safeguard” 600 DOE computers, printers and laptops which vanished under her watch, investigators found. She collected $219,245 last year.
Queens Chronicle on absenteeism
Please read the Queens Chronicle article about my report on chronic absenteeism. I hope this topic will be part of the discussion in the upcoming mayoral and gubernatorial campaigns, as it is one of the key issues we need to address in New York.
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Contact me if you want to help bring universal education choice to NY! #SchoolChoiceNY
