Panel for Educational Policy · April 29, 2026
The DOE plans to approve a new high school in our building without genuine community input. Our students, our Bridge program, and our shared spaces deserve better.
Our Community's Concern
LMC has served the Lower Manhattan community for years, building a culture of belonging, support, and academic excellence. Now, a proposal to co-locate a new technology-focused high school in our building is moving toward a vote — without the meaningful community process our students and families deserve.
We are not against innovation. We are against rushing a permanent decision that will reshape our school's future without hearing from the people who live it every day.
We ask the Panel for Educational Policy to pause this vote and commit to a transparent, community-driven process before any decision is made.
What's at Stake
Our special class Bridge program serves students with significant support needs. Adding another school compresses already limited space and threatens the continuity of care these students rely on.
Our gym, common areas, and hallways are already strained. Co-location means sharing scarce resources — including safe, accessible spaces for physical education and student wellness.
Emerging research raises important questions about technology-saturated learning environments and adolescent well-being. Approving a model built on unexamined assumptions requires more scrutiny, not speed.
A pre-written message is ready to send — personalize it or send as-is. Takes 30 seconds and puts your name on the record.
Show up on April 29. Speaker sign-up opens at 5:30 PM and closes when the meeting begins at 6:00 PM.
Get Directions