A state judge has overturned a New York City plan to close or significantly change the use of 19 high schools for poor performance, holding that officials had not provided a “detailed analysis” of the plan’s impact and had not offered sufficient public notice or opportunity to comment. Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Joan B. Lobis (See Profile) concluded Friday that the city had not complied with a provision of a 2009 law authorizing continued mayoral control of the schools that requires preparation of “educational impact statements” (EISs) for such plans. That law “mandated the preparation of detailed EISs for schools that the chancellor proposed to close or significantly alter, and created a public process with meaningful community involvement regarding the chancellor’s proposals,” Justice Lobis said. “That entire legislative scheme must be enforced, and not merely the portion extending mayoral control of the schools.”
Vowing to seek an immediate appeal, the city insisted it had complied with the notice and public hearing requirements. It complained that the judge did not take into account the city’s “extra efforts” to supply relevant facts and keep all interested parties informed. “We are disappointed in today’s ruling, which, unless it is reversed, requires the Department of Education to keep open schools that are failing our children,” Corporation Counsel Michael A. Cardozo said in a statement.
