The kindergarten−through−third−grade school is at 200−01 42nd Ave., on the corner of Francis Lewis Boulevard and 42nd Avenue in Bayside. Geographically, this school is in District 26. Local students are currently bused to other elementary schools, so students who are bused to PS 130 from other neighborhoods throughout District 25 in Flushing have priority placement at the school.
This inequity and excess expense has been discussed with education and elected officials, but there has been no change in placement priority and it is still difficult for our local children to get into this school. In years past, PS 130 was a District 26 K−6 school and further back it was a K−8 school zoned for local children only. The change from a District 26 to a District 25 school has a long and controversial history.
As a representative of the civic organization, I attended the open house at PS 130 Feb. 9. I was impressed with the school and staff and program offered to students. Students do not have to take a test for admittance and students of all ability levels are accepted. The only qualification is that the child be from District 25.
It is not our intent to disrupt the education of those students currently attending PS 130 nor those local students currently attending their zoned schools. We believe, however, neighborhood children should be given first priority to attend this neighborhood school.
Even though our local neighborhood children do not have priority to attend this school now, local parents may still file an application for incoming kindergarten and first−, second− and third−grade students to attend the school. At the open house, the principal stressed that those parents who apply who do not have priority must make sure their children have placement in their zoned school.
That way, if the children are not accepted into PS 130, they will have a seat in their zoned school. It also seems that local students entering kindergarten have the best chance of being accepted into PS 130 because there are so few seats available in the other grades. Applications are available at the school but must be completed and submitted by March 12. I am sure the school’s principal would answer any questions a parent or guardian may have about the school, its program or the process to attend it.
The Auburndale Improvement Association will continue to advocate that PS 130, with its stellar program and reputation, be a neighborhood school for local students once again. If other students living outside the immediate area wish to attend PS 130 and there are seats available, they should be allowed to attend as well.
The school for handicapped students currently housed in the PS 130 building should continue to operate there. This would be a fair resolution to this currently unfair situation.
Henry Euler
First Vice President
Auburndale Improvement Association
Bayside
