The sign above PS 19 in Brooklyn reads, “100 years of quality education” — but not in recent years.
Nearly four out of every five students at the Williamsburg school that the city wants to phase out couldn’t read or do math on grade level last year, according to state test results.
The school serves a higher percentage of challenging students, including homeless kids, than the average city elementary school, but a number of parents said it’s hard to overlook the poor results.
“My son passed all his tests but this school doesn’t challenge him. He’s smart,” said Jackeline Rodriguez, 27, whose son is in third grade. “I was pulling my son from this school next year anyway.”
Veronica Linares, 35, said she also found the school too “easy” for her kids.
“They need to be given more homework and more reading books,” she said. “It’s too bad because I do have two children here, but the school has problems.”
Still, other parents said they’d had a great experience at the school, which they applauded for opening its doors to students of all skill levels.
They also lamented the unfortunate timing of the proposed closure: The school was supposed to be celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
“I feel frustrated about the closing. That school helped my children,” said Jenny Rivera. “All four of my kids went there.”
Principal Maria Witherspoon did not respond to an e-mail seeking comment.