Res. No. 270
Title
Resolution calling upon the New York City Department of Education to regularly review the use and condition of transportable classrooms and to limit the amount of time that transportable classrooms are used in New York City public schools.
Body
By Council Members Barron, Treyger and Brannan
Whereas, A transportable classroom is a temporary building installed on the grounds of a school to provide additional classroom space and to address overcrowding issues; and
Whereas, Transportable classrooms are normally removed once the capacity situation subsides, a permanent addition is made to the school building, or a new school opens in the area; and
Whereas, When properly installed and maintained, transportable classrooms can have a long useful life; and
Whereas, Although temporary classrooms can be a quick fix to overcrowding in schools, there are many implications that a transportable classroom has for the learning environment; and
Whereas, In the 2016-17 school year, there were 244 transportable classroom units in use in New York City Department of Education schools; and
Whereas, According to the National Center for Education Statistics, public school principals report numerous problems associated with temporary classrooms including lighting, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, noise control, size, and the physical condition of buildings; and
Whereas, Further, some transportable classrooms are not equipped with proper or adequate bathrooms; and
Whereas, Often these temporary units become permanent fixtures in growing school districts; and
Whereas, When transportable units are deemed the only viable option available, the amount of time they will be used should be anticipated and those units should be constructed out of the most durable materials in order to ensure the longest and healthiest useful life; and
Whereas, As of the 2016-17 school year, New York City's transportable classrooms had a total capacity of 7,823 student...
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