The Riverdale Press

Public schools haven’t been the same since March 2020. But that could very well change by September, with public schools fully reopening without hybrid or remote learning.

Technology has become more commonplace in the classroom over the past 20 years or so. But it may have been difficult to guess just how essential it would become in March 2020. more

By ROSE BRENNAN | 6/6/21

Under the city’s new guidelines, classrooms will still need to quarantine if even one person tests positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. However, the building itself will now only close if there are four or more confirmed cases in the school.

Relaxed coronavirus rules could mean fewer closures

At one time, neither rain nor sleet nor snow nor hail could halt the nation’s postal service — or the operation of its largest public school system. But last year, something beyond inclement weather upended the educational system’s reputation for never closing. more

By ROSE BRENNAN | 4/18/21

State Sen. Gustavo Rivera was one of the state lawmakers pushing to raise taxes on wealthy individuals, which were included in this year’s state budget. Lawmakers say these taxes will generate a projected $4 billion a year to fund some of the spending in the $212 billion budget.

State budget aims to tax rich

It may have come in a week late, but the $212 billion state budget is packed to the gills. And some state lawmakers say the extra deliberation was worth it. In previous years, state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi said she felt disheartened by the budget process. Gov. Andrew Cuomo almost completely controlled the process, according to law, and rarely would he yield to some of the more liberal big-ticket items she and other newer lawmakers craved. But this year felt entirely different. more

By ETHAN STARK-MILLER | 4/15/21

Schools chancellor Richard Carranza has had a tumultuous relationship with several of the teachers union caucuses. But his most tumultuous relationship was with Mayor Bill de Blasio, notably clashing over desegregation efforts in public schools, like the gifted and talented program.

Carranza’s departure leaves testing in question

The past year has been challenging for many. But that’s probably especially the case for Richard Carranza. He is stepping down. His successor, Bronx superintendent Meisha Porter, will take over on Monday. more

By ROSE BRENNAN | 3/14/21

Education workers were included in the latest phase of the state’s vaccination rollout that began earlier this month. But vaccination efforts are progressing slower than expected because of limited supply.

Teachers want vaccine, there's just not enough

Nothing good ever comes easy. And that couldn’t be truer of the city’s goals to vaccinate all nearly 9 million of its inhabitants, especially now that nearly 4 million in the state are now eligible to be inoculated. more

By ROSE BRENNAN | 1/24/21

Despite rising coronavirus cases across the city, public preschools, elementary schools and District 75 schools remain open. While the United Federation of Teachers labor union thinks public school buildings should close if the city’s positive test rate reaches 9 percent — by the state’s measurements — some of its caucuses opposed reopening altogether in the new year.

Cuomo throws out 9% threshold, angers UFT

Keeping the country’s largest public school system running during a pandemic is no mean feat. But it might be easier now that one variable that could single-handedly shut those schools down has gone out the window. more

By ROSE BRENNAN | 1/17/21

Following a deal with the city in 2014, public school teachers opted for retroactive pay rather than a raise like other city employees. They were supposed to receive that retroactive pay at the end of October, but instead will only receive half due to a massive budget crisis.

Payback time for public school teachers?

After years of a job well done, Michael Bloomberg saw fit to give most city employees a raise — along with renewed contracts — while he was still mayor in 2009. But there was one cohort of workers left out: public school teachers. more

By ROSE BRENNAN | 11/1/20

Doing school work in the dining room each night is a family affair for the Lynches since the start of remote learning, including, from left, mom Joelle, along with Bailee, 13; Nicolas Jr., 14; Carter, 8; and Nolan-Louis, 9.

Class struggle stresses parents, teachers

Remote learning at Joelle Lynch’s home is nothing short of a logistical nightmare. Her five children — all public school students — sit around a table at the family home, each in their respective “classes,” but nevertheless just inches from their siblings trying to learn their own material. more

By ROSE BRENNAN | 10/4/20

Only a few months ago, city schools shut down due to the growing threat of the coronavirus pandemic. But although public schools now won’t physically reopen until Sept. 21, many teachers and parents are still skeptical whether educators will be ready in time.

Not all teachers convinced schools can reopen soon

Just hours before the city’s largest teachers union was ready to call for a strike, Mayor Bill de Blasio conceded a two-week standoff that would push back the physical reopening of school campuses by nearly two weeks. more

By ROSE BRENNAN | 9/13/20

UFT to de Blasio: See you in court

It’s no easy feat to reopen the largest public school district in the country. And the attempt to do so is causing a power struggle between Mayor Bill de Blasio and the city’s teachers. more

By ROSE BRENNAN | 8/30/20