Proposed relocation of transfer high school threatens access to critical services, students and teachers say

An Upper West Side transfer high school for students behind on credits is slated to move crosstown to a building on Manhattan’s east side — without some critical supports and spaces offered in its current location.

The proposal to relocate Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School to East Harlem has received fierce backlash from students, teachers and local councilmembers, who fear the move will cost them a school-based health center relied on for primary care, and a child care program for pupils with kids.

Education officials at a public hearing this week said students could still access services in the original site about 1.3 miles away, or other daycares on the east side. But that’s not a solution for young adults juggling work, parenting and other stressors with their classes, according to students and staff.

”I wouldn’t have been able to go back to school,” said Alyssa Carcagena, 19, who enrolled her infant in child care when he was two months old. “I was able to focus in class, knowing I could visit my baby whenever I want.”

The move would change that. “It just feels like we’re being punished,” Carcagena said.

West Side High School has lost enrollment in recent years, leading the city to propose swapping sites with The Young Women’s Leadership School, a growing program on the east side. The transfer school also plans to start a Spanish dual language program, which education officials said could be in greater demand in East Harlem and help grow its rosters, which has dwindled to roughly 200 students.

“I want to acknowledge that we have heard your concerns,” said Superintendent John Sullivan at the hearing Tuesday night. “I along with the New York City Public Schools are committed to supporting your school with the resources to continue effectively serving students.”

A program through Goddard Riverside that provides paid internships, and college and career readiness opportunities, would also relocate with West Side High School, the district official added.

But students and teachers suggest the plan, though reasonable on paper, discounts the experiences of the unique population that the school serves. That includes young people who faced threats or violence at their previous schools that led them to transfer, or need additional support while parenting or exiting juvenile detention.

“Most of the students who come to us have been failed in some way or another by the rest of the system, so they come to us with a second — and often final chance — at graduating with a high school diploma.” said special education teacher Joel Solow. “It’s under-appreciated how much little transitions and shifts can knock them off their course.”

The young people also raised concerns about gang violence if a move to a new neighborhood were to introduce clashes between different groups. One student at the public hearing warned that if the school were to relocate, he would not move with it. Another warned it would result in “so much blood on your hands, if we moved to the east side.”

It was a concern echoed by several councilmembers or their representatives, who spoke out against the move at the hearing or in communication with education officials.

“This building is a gem,” wrote Councilwoman Gale Brewer in a letter to Chancellor David Banks obtained by The News, “and needs to be filled with students who need the resources it offers.”

The proposal is scheduled for a vote by the Panel for Educational Policy, made up of mostly mayoral appointees that follow the administration’s directives, on April 19.

“This re-siting is still in the proposal phase, and if approved, we’ll continue to explore opportunities to provide additional supports,” said Chyann Tull, a spokesperson for the public schools.