Letter: Speak Up For Bayside High School

The following is a letter sent to Patch and others by Bayside High School PTA Co-president Dave Solano:

I thank Queens Borough President Helen Marshall for all our schools to call the DOE out and fairly distribute federal Title 1 funds. I presented this to Jesse Mojica (FACE) at her Parents Advisory Board and got full support as this impacts all our schools.

We await the DOE to respond to the case presented. We continue the fight for fair and equitable distribution of federal funds. When our large high schools are close to the 60% free lunch but don't qualify for Title 1 funds, the DOE uses the percentages gained from these schools to qualify for federal funds city wide.

Bayside's 3500 students of 54-55% free lunch students account for much more need that a little high school meeting the 60% qualification. The funds should be distributed based on headcount as that is what is used to qualify for federal funds, regardless if the school has 60% or more.

It is not fair (DOE) to hand pick what schools get partial funding or for new schools to get funding without turning in a lunch form! I have introduced this at CPAC's Title 1 Committee and our CCHS to join the fight for fair funding.

This will also be presented to our elected officials at the Queens High School Presidents Council  Legislative Breakfast on Friday February 10th @ 9 a.m. at the Linden Place DOE building. Join me in your support.
Dave Solano