By Amanda Moses
Earlier this month, families and staff from Gateway Intermediate School 364 were officially notified by the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) that they were exploring the idea of potentially merging the middle school with Frederick Douglass Academy (FDA) VIII next school year. To help clarify what this proposal means the Spring Creek Sun has created an FAQ list with a few answers to some questions residents might have.
Where is IS 364 housed and where will they be moved if there is a merger?
Currently, IS 364 is located in two separate buildings and serves about 150sixth through eighth grade students at 1426 Freeport Loop and its annex building at 1461 Geneva Loop. FDA VIII, which caters to 200 middle schoolers, functions inside of the top (fourth) floor of Abe Stark Primary School (PS) 346 located at 1400 Granville Payne Avenue.
Why is this merger being proposed?
According to the NYCDOE, they believe that a merger would improve the learning environment of IS 364 students by combining the strongest aspects of both institutions and providing a broader academic and enrichment opportunities. It was also noted that FDA VIII’s facility is more sustainable than IS 364’s.
Who will be weighing and approving this proposal?
The Panel Educational Policy (PEP) will be the judge of the proposal and there will be a decision made by late February. Staff, elected officials, parents and students can voice their concern at a virtual town hall meeting, which will occur on February 14th at 6pm. Join the Teleconference at: https://learndoe.org/districtplanning/
If the proposal is approved, when will it take effect?
If this proposal is approved, it will start in the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic calendar year where both schools would be potentially merged and IS 364 would no longer be admitting new students. If it is not approved, the situation will still continue to be monitored but, both schools will continue their educational practices at their respective locations as per usual.
If there is a merger will staff from both schools work at the new joint location?
NYCDOE states that the staff will come together to support the schools; however, there may be “excessed when the school are merged.”
If this potential proposal is approved, will parents have to re-register their child at the newly merged FDA VIII?
IS 364 students will be grandfathered into the merged school and not need to re-register. Those who wish to transfer to a different school can contact NYCDOE’s Office of Student Enrollment by emailing: [email protected], calling 718-935-2009, or visiting the Family Welcome Center.
According to NYCDOE, they do not believe the merger if approved will affect how the elementary school, PS 346 runs.
