BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
YOUTH/HUMAN SERVICES/EDUCATION COMMITTEE
MARCH 26, 2014
PRESENT
L. ANDERSON P. BELLENBAUM E. FELDER
M. KOLMAN J. LI C. PIGOTT
B. SOLOTAIRE S. TURET M. SCOTT
R. UNDERWOOD
EXCUSED:
L. HILL
ABSENT:
F. BROWN C. CASTILLO R. CERVONE
C. PETERSEN C. RYAN A. SHERMAN
D. WILLIAMS K. WILLIAMS
GUEST:
L. SHARPES T. JEMOTT J. STREICH-KEST
C. GLICKMAN R. METAL
***MINUTES***
Presentation and discussion with a representative of the Mayor’s Office on the proposal to establish a Universal Pre-Kindergarten program for New York City.
Jake Streich-Kest, organizer for Universal Pre-K NYC presented. Universal Pre-K and afterschool kids are 20% less likely to 120,000 middle school students would get school programs UPK for 4 year olds 20,000 are in Pre-K. 50,000 next year – all full time, 73,000 in two years. $10,000 per student for Pre-k. $200 million for after school. Tax increase seems to be dead but full $540 million to be expected in other funding per year. $400 million for after care. 340 million for UPK. 1,000 new teachers next year – 1,000 more the following year. Registration deadline is April 23rd.
Also are seats distributed equitably? Not sure but many seats will be in community organizations.
Outreach – the Department of Education has been holding Pre-K information sessions. The registration deadline will not move.
Briefing by a representative from the Office of Council Member Stephen Levin on the level of mental health services available in the public school system.
Council Member Levin became interested in mental health in schools when asked to look into suicide prevention in schools. 1/5 to 1/6 of schools have mental health services in the school. Levin instigated a hearing in May 2012 about this situation. Not much came of it except possible capital improvements but not actual help. In-school services much more effective then referrals outside. Lack of services can result in more suspensions. Lack of reimbursements is a cause of lack of services. Principals found mental health services very valuable. Funding usually doesn’t cover such services. Services can be hard to track since often provided by outside providers.
Andrew Cohen – Mental Health Committee Chair Daniel Dremm – Education Chair
Diaspora Community Services was not on the agenda but made an impromptu presentation.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned.