UWS Middle School Fights Relocation: ‘This School is Our Home’
Concerns are mounting among students, parents, and educators regarding the potential relocation of the Center School, situated at 100 West 84th Street on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. With approximately 250 students enrolled from fifth to eighth grade, the school has fostered a close-knit community since its establishment in 1982.
Community Pushback Against Relocation
Recent discussions have surfaced about moving the Center School to the P.S./I.S. 191 building located at 300 West 61st Street. Although the New York City Department of Education (DOE) has not released any formal plans for this relocation, the topic has been a source of anxiety among stakeholders, who have voiced concerns about the disruption it might cause.
Principal’s Acknowledgment and Community Response
Center School Principal John O’Reilly recently confirmed the discussions regarding the possible move via an email to the school community. He noted a meeting scheduled with representatives from New York City School District 3 to address the issue. Parents, teachers, and alumni have rallied together, creating a petition titled “Protect Center School,” which has garnered over 2,000 signatures to date.
- Current Location: 100 West 84th Street
- Proposed Relocation: 300 West 61st Street
- Enrollment: Approximately 250 students
- Established: 1982
- Current Home Since: 2009
Concerns Over Educational Impact
Parents have expressed worries about losing key facilities such as a dedicated gymnasium and auditorium. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of the school’s existing outdoor space, which provides ample room for recess and is situated close to Central Park. These resources contribute significantly to the students’ educational experience, especially for those who faced challenges during the COVID pandemic.
“Any decision to disrupt a school in such good working order is bizarre,” commented Anooradha Iyer Siddiqi, a parent of a seventh-grader. She emphasized the need for community input regarding potential changes.
Student Perspectives
Current students are also being engaged in this process. Some have taken to writing letters to the DOE, expressing their desire to remain in their school. One fifth-grade student poignantly remarked, “This school is our home.” Another emphasized the unique sense of magic that their current environment provides.
Future Actions and Next Steps
While the DOE has indicated that no formal proposal has been issued, the situation remains fluid. Officials emphasize the importance of community engagement in any decisions regarding school relocations. Parents are advocating for more time to evaluate the implications of these changes thoroughly.
As the school community prepares for the upcoming meeting with education officials, the resilience and passion for preserving the Center School’s legacy is evident among parents, educators, and students alike. The potential move raises critical questions about the future of education in the area and the importance of maintaining strong school communities.
