Parents with questions about their children's schools got some time with Department of Education officials Saturday. Chief Family Engagement Officer Martine Guerrier led a town hall meeting, open to all parents, at Brooklyn Tech High School in Fort Greene.
Only 100 parents showed up for the event.
"I am very proud of the turnout because these are parents who took the time and made the effort to come,” said Guerrier.
The "Ask Martine" conference had top school officials on hand to explain changes like redistricting and new funding plans.
Attendees also heard about subjects specific to their school districts.
"I come from District 5, and I looked at the Department of Education school report card and it show a lot of our qualified teachers are in not in communities of color,” said Frederick Wilson, a grandparent of city schoolchildren.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg appointed Guerrier to the new post of chief family engagement officer three months ago, right after many parents complained that their voices were not being heard when it comes to big moves like rerouting school buses.
Guerrier was charged with making sure parents know they matter, the very reason, she said, for choosing Brooklyn Tech for Saturday's meeting.
"This is a beautiful space, too often we do events with parents and we cram them into small rooms,” she said.
The auditorium is one of the DOE’s largest. But the high-tech audio-visual set-up, as well as lots of food and staff on hand, was meant for a full house of thousands.
One lawmaker said the DOE needs to reach out to more parents.
"There's been some disappointment, quite honestly, with the amount of community and parental influence and input,” said Brooklyn Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries. “And that has to change.”
Guerrier agrees, saying clear communication between parents and school officials is essential to ensuring student success.
To that end, Guerrier says parents can contact her via e-mail at askmartine@schools.nyc.gov or they can call her at 212-374-6587.
