NEW YORK – Today, Schools Chancellor David C. Banks made the following statement regarding the proposed charter school co-locations scheduled for vote during the January Panel for Educational Policy:

“Community input is a critical part of making co-locations successful for families and educators. When we propose co-locations, we gather community input through formal Joint Public Hearings as well as additional community meetings, building walkthroughs, meetings with CECs and School Leadership Teams, and engagement with other stakeholders throughout the process. After hearing from community members throughout this entire process that the proposals would create significant challenges for the new schools and the existing co-located schools, the Success Academy proposals involving buildings X113 in District 11, Q420 in District 29, and Q072 in District 28 have been removed from this week's PEP agenda. We are committed to continue to work with Success Academies to find suitable facilities for their new schools, as we are required to do by law.  Being responsive to families, staff, and community input is a core pillar of this administration, and we welcome all voices to take part in these discussions. We fully intend to live up to our obligations under state law, while working collaboratively with all parties.”