PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Clarisa Alayeto, Manager of Community and Government Affairs at Dream Public Charter School Network
3:54:46
·
92 sec
Clarisa Alayeto from Dream Public Charter School Network testifies in support of Intro 532, urging its amendment to include charter schools in private spaces. She emphasizes the need for equal security funding for all public school students, including those in charter schools.
- Dream serves nearly 3,000 students from diverse backgrounds in East Harlem and South Bronx
- Lack of security guard funding forces Dream to divert money from critical programs like mental health services and support for students with IEPs
- The testimony calls for prioritizing the passage of Intro 532 to ensure equal protection for all students, regardless of their school type
Clarisa Alayeto
3:54:46
Thank you, chairs, and members of the committee.
3:54:48
My name is Clarisse Alieto.
3:54:49
I manage community and government affairs.
3:54:52
At Dream Formerly Harlem or BI.
3:54:54
Dream has been serving the East Harlem And South Bronx Community since 1991, and today we work with nearly three thousand young people across four schools.
3:55:03
Our students come from diverse backgrounds, including high percentage of students with IEPs, multi language learners, and most recently families seeking asylum.
3:55:13
Our students are public school students, and they deserve the same safe, secure learning environments as all students in New York City.
3:55:21
But unfortunately, charter schools in private spaces like Dream are currently left out of the city's security guard funding.
3:55:29
We support intro 532, but we urge the city council members to amend the bill and to include charter schools in private spaces like Dream.
3:55:39
Right now, we're the only public schools left out outside of the city of security protection despite facing similar challenges.
3:55:47
The lack of funding and security guards means that dream has to divert money from critical programs, including mental health services, athletics, arts, and additional supports for students with IEPs.
3:55:59
By securing funding for school safety, we can reinvest in what matters most our students' education and well-being.
3:56:07
We urge you to prioritize the passage of intro 532 and ensure that all students, no matter where they attend school, are equally protected and supported.
3:56:17
Thank you.
