New School students, grades 4 – 8, were assigned to find the answer to a number of questions teachers posed relating to Education, Syracuse’s Police Department, Lead Poisoning, Housing and Health. Their findings were discussed with the class. After digesting all this information, the students were asked to generate questions they could pose to Common Council President Helen Hudson and Councilor Joe Driscoll. Both these powerful discussions were held in April, 2021 via Zoom. Finally the New School students reflected on what they learned from their research, discussion and interviews and then brainstormed and developed thoughts on solutions that they outlined regarding the inequity of educational opportunities.

Education Issues researched:

Compare the number of students of color in Syracuse City School District (78%) with Jamesville Dewitt (23%) and Fayetteville Manlius (16%).

What is the percentage of teachers of color in the SCSD (19%).

What is graduation rate from high schools in SCSD (64.5%) JD  (96%) and FM (96%).

These are some solutions we, the students of The New School, would like our elected officials to consider:

·      Add a quota for the number of teachers of color because there are too few. If they don’t do it the school loses funding or would be subject to fines.

·      Give public schools bonuses for having a more equitable workforce.

·      Give teachers annual tests to screen for racial bias.

·      Make sure all schools have equal resources

·      Books  – have more trips to libraries.

·      More funding for arts.

·      Encourage people of color to do jobs that are more typically given to whites.

·      Give poorer families resources to get the best education.

·      People need to have the same stuff and not be racist.