The city's schools chancellor came to Staten Island Friday to speak to parents and educators.
Carmen Farina was the keynote speaker for an event held by the Staten Island Foundation. The goal was to better the education of students throughout the borough and encourage parents to have a more active role in their child's early education.
Among other things, the discussion included an initiative that focuses on including more minority children in Pre-K programs.
One parent, Shontay Stevenson, told NY1 that if her son had not been diagnosed with special needs, he would not have gotten into the program.
“I wanted him in Pre-K and that was the only way he was allowed to go because they didn't have a lot of spots,” Stevenson said. “So, I hope that they are able to bring more kids into Pre-K programs.”
The foundation also plans to form groups that will focus on ways to increase the amount of books that children read in schools.