Parents speak out over proposed classroom changes at PS 398
According to families, the shift is intended to make room for another school that operates in the same space. But they worry the change could come at the expense of programs their children rely on.
Parents at P.S. 398 in Brownsville are raising concerns after learning the Department of Education plans to reassign several classrooms inside their shared school building.
According to families, the shift is intended to make room for another school that operates in the same space. But they worry the change could come at the expense of programs their children rely on.
“We just want everything to be fair and equitable for everybody,” said Jacole John, the school’s PTA vice president — a sentiment echoed by many parents who have since launched a petition opposing the plan.
The proposal would move classrooms currently used by P.S. 398 students to accommodate the co-located school. Parents say that could ultimately reduce enrollment capacity and limit opportunities for neighborhood children.
“You're taking away from the students that actually want to go to the school in their neighborhoods,” said PTA president Lizette Ortiz. “Because if you shrink the classes, you're shrinking the kids that want to come here.”
For families, the issue goes far beyond space. They say losing these classrooms could mean losing essential programs that play a key role in student development.
“There are a lot of parents who noticed their kids were shy and very withdrawn,” John said. “Then you see their artwork or group projects, and you're like, ‘Wow, my kid did that?’ It really brings them out.”
Parents say under the current plan, students could lose access to dedicated art, science, and music rooms as early as next school year.
Adding to their frustration, some families believe the changes prioritize students who do not live in the immediate community, leaving them feeling overlooked.
“There's a lot of kids going through a lot in life, and they need school to be an enjoyable place,” Ortiz said. “You can’t just look at enrollment numbers — you have to look at progress and the work being done.”
Parents are now urging the Department of Education to reconsider, calling instead for a solution that supports both schools without dismantling existing programs.
“Don’t break the community apart,” John said. “Integrate and become part of the community.”
News12 reached out to the Department of Education for comment and is waiting to hear back.
