Capital New York / July 31, 2014
The de Blasio administration is facing a second formidable education challenge, in addition to its signature pre-kindergarten expansion in the fall: its plan to roll out 40 new “community schools”. Officials will have to read hundreds of applications and match schools with community-based organizations by October when the schools—characterized by wraparound health and social services—begin operation.
During the mayoral campaign, Bill de Blasio vowed to open 100 community schools by 2018 after touring the widely respected community schools of Cincinnati. The short timetable has left the Department of Education hustling to get the program up and running just a few weeks after 53,000 toddlers begin their first day of pre-K.