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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Student at High School for Health Professions and Human Services
5:18:42
·
3 min
A ninth-grader at the High School for Health Professions and Human Services, testifies about the inadequate conditions and lack of mental health support in her school despite the large education budget. She calls for immediate action to improve school environments and increase mental health resources for students.
- Highlights unsafe conditions both outside and inside the school, including mold in classrooms and rodent problems
- Points out the severe shortage of social workers, with only one for 1,667 students, far below the recommended ratio
- Emphasizes the urgency of addressing mental health issues, citing suicide as a leading cause of death among high school students
Celia Carter
5:18:42
Good afternoon.
5:18:44
My name is Celia Carter, and I'm a ninth grader at the High School for Health Professions and Human Services.
5:18:51
When I learned I had been selected to participate in this hearing, I took the opportunity seriously.
5:18:58
I began researching how the education system works and how Resideo's money is being spent.
5:19:04
I was surprised to find out that the education budget for the 02/2024 to 02/2025 school year is approximately $40,000,000,000.
5:19:14
This is a huge amount of money.
5:19:16
But when I look at my school and what students face every day, I have to ask, is it being spent where it's truly needed?
5:19:25
At HPHS, our environment does not reflect safety or care.
5:19:30
Surrounding our schools, students regularly witness people under the influence of harmful substances and living in unsafe conditions.
5:19:40
School is supposed to be a place where students feel protected, but instead, we often walk through fear to get to class.
5:19:49
A portion of that 40,000,000,000 should be used to ensure the areas around schools are clean, safe, and free of harmful or threatening activity.
5:20:00
But it's not just outside our building, it's inside too.
5:20:04
Many of our our classrooms have mold on the walls and ceilings.
5:20:09
Mold that can cause health problems like allergies, respiratory issues, and in extreme cases, lung cancer.
5:20:16
Our school has a rodent problem.
5:20:19
These are the conditions we're expected to learn in.
5:20:22
These are the classrooms where we're supposed to be prepared for our futures.
5:20:26
This is not just unacceptable, it's disrespectful to students who are trying to do the right thing.
5:20:34
Another serious issue I want to highlight is the lack of mental support.
5:20:39
At HPHS, there is only one social worker for approximately sixteen sixty seven students.
5:20:47
According to America, the recommended ratio is one social worker for every two fifty students.
5:20:56
So we are way behind the standard.
5:20:59
Students are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other challenges, and we don't have enough support to help us get through it.
5:21:08
There's a bill, senate bill s four two one seven, that was introduced in the 02/2019 to 02/2020 session to require full time licensed social workers and psychologists in every school.
5:21:23
But where's the action?
5:21:25
How can one social worker possibly meet the needs of over 1,667 students?
5:21:33
It's unfair to them and it's unfair to us.
5:21:37
Mental health isn't just a buzzword, it's a life or death issue.
5:21:42
Suicide is now one of the five leading causes of death among high high school students.
5:21:48
I don't want any of my classmates or friends to become just another statistic.
5:21:53
We have to act now because every day we wait, we lose opportunities to save and support lives.
5:22:01
I ask you, use your power, use your budget.
5:22:06
You have the opportunity to make our schools more than just buildings.
5:22:10
We need safe, clean, and supportive environments where students can thrive.
5:22:15
The future of New York City starts with its youth, and we are asking for what we need.
5:22:21
Not for luxury, but for safety, wellness, and equity.
5:22:26
Thank you for listening.
5:22:27
I hope you take them seriously because the future is sitting in our classrooms right now, and we are counting on you.