Despite expressions of concern by community groups, repeated requests and a series of meetings, no documentation has been provided by the Department of Education (DOE) about a proposal to site two Alternative Learning Centers (ALCs) for suspended high school students in that building. We worry about the inadequacies of the facility, the punitive rather than educative tone of security procedures and the need for accountability to members of Community Board 8 Education Committee, District 13 Community Education Council and the Park Place Underhill Avenue Block Association and neighbors.

The DOE will need to provide handicapped accessibility, to mitigate regular flooding during heavy rains and to provide enough space for instruction and the amenities necessary for a healthy learning environment – cafeteria, science lab, library and adequate classroom space. We are asking to see the ‘footprint’ of the building, exact measurements of each room, as well as the schemata of how the rooms will be used. Accountability runs in various directions.

Research published by the NYCLU concludes that programs should include restorative justice, conflict resolution and mediation training for the young people so they return with a skill set that offers them alternative behaviors to those which contributed to the problems for which they have been excluded from regular assigned schools.

Speak out/meeting immediately following the press conference at Duryea Church, entrance on Sterling Place near Underhill, from 7 to 8:30pm. Share experiences, information and suggestions for continued organizing. Comments, questions and concerns of from 3 to 5 minutes will be invited from each participant.