By Phyllis C. Murray

“We all know we need to set high standards, establish a strong curriculum, develop high-quality assessments and take other steps to help children learn. All of us–teachers, students, parents, government, school officials, community leaders – also have to take on greater, shared responsibility for the success of our children We all know we need to set high standards, establish a strong curriculum, develop high-quality assessments and take other steps to help children learn. All of us–teachers, students, parents, government, school officials, community leaders – also have to take on greater, shared responsibility for the success of our children.” Randi Weingarten-NewTalk.org

One has to ‘live” in an inner city community to understand the necessity for a community school. The
schools in these impoverished communities are basically as poor as the community itself. For example,it took twenty years of hammering to get my school into the prime condition that it is in today. And without the intervention of the UFT ,OSHA, the Department of Heath, and the dedication of a cadre of concerned citizens/educators, we would still be bemoaning the slow deterioration of our South Bronx school.

It took 8/9 million dollars and three years to make the needed repairs and renovate our entire building. Then it took additional efforts to get “all hands on deck” as we worked with Sterling Robeson, Director of the UFT School Safety Department to provide a safe and secure school environment.

Today, we have moved toward the community school model. We have an Urban Health Clinic within our South Bronx school, numerous after school programs which support instruction, and a dynamic Parent Coordinator. Thus, many of the programs, that parents and students sorely need, are already a living reality.

Do we need a community school? Yes, we need a community school in every impoverished area. These are the areas which are red-lined. Seemingly, nothing good comes in. And everything that is good, leaves …including many gifted students and teachers. Thus, an unleveled playing field means the ladder to social and economic viability lies horizontally against the walls of that impoverished community. These are the areas where crime is unabated. And as long as the criminal element remains,..we can see that easy access to crime takes precedence over the quality of life for the inhabitants of the area.Furthermore, if there is no access to a quality education, early intervention, or the structure and discipline found in the family or academic institution., the students are more likely be to be trapped in these communities. The cycle of failure will continue.

The early immigrants trusted the public school to provide their sons and daughters with the requisites for a better life. And the New York City Public Schools produced many world renowned leaders. This trust should continue as teachers provide the best education possible for their students. However, the teachers cannot
be expected to work alone. And as Randi Weingarten stated: ‘All of us–teachers, students, parents, government, school officials, community leaders – also have to take on greater, shared responsibility for the success of our children.” Certainly, the future of this great nation depends on our commitment to our children. Mihi cura futuri.

Phyllis C. Murray,
UFT Chapter Leader
District 8