Students Weigh-In On Proposal To Close JFK High

By: Dean Meminger

To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

For many students attending John F. Kennedy High School in the Bronx, the Department of Education's recommendation that it be closed down due to poor performance is not far fetched. NY1's Dean Meminger filed the following report.

When the massive John F. Kennedy High School in Marble Hill first opened it was considered a great school, especially in the 1970s and a part of the 1980s. But there have been all sorts of problems over the years. Now, the Department of Education says it's time to close up shop. Some students on the Kennedy campus agree.

"Nobody wants to go to school. The teachers, honestly, they don't look like they care about the education," said one JFK High student.

"When we go to school we have to share. There are like five students sharing two books. We all have to share, there are not enough text books for us to have our own," said another.

The DOE fact sheet on Kennedy says the school's four-year graduation rate is only 46 percent, compared to the citywide average of 63 percent. Last year, Kennedy earned an overall "D" grade on its Progress Report, with an "F" on Student Performance. On top of that, the principal resigned after the state alleged staffers stole $90,000 from student fundraisers. But some of those students say things are improving.

"There are less problems and more activities now," said one JFK High student.

"It is better then it was last year. Last year it was ridiculous. This year it is improving," said another.

"They should give it one more shot and see where it goes," said a third.

Over the years the building has been divided into five smaller schools with one being Kennedy. But it appears the education department wants to break Kennedy up again into two schools.

"It is not a good feeling, but you continue to do what you need to do. Try to improve on all of things. And I would say, if you are going out with a bang, go out with a good bang," said JFK High Parent Coordinator Valli Massenburg.

Education officials say they want to make it clear that this is not a done deal. They say they need input from the community and parents. For those who want more information about the proposal to close Kennedy there will be a meeting at the school Wednesday night at 5 p.m.