On January 21, 2020, Northeast Queens elected officials announced that they are calling on Chancellor Carranza to hold a public meeting on school safety. This demand follows a January 16^th Department of Education Town Hall meeting in District 26, in which the Chancellor failed to address questions and concerns about reported incidents of sexual assault and violence at MS 158Q Marie Curie.

In a letter to Chancellor Carranza dated January 20, 2020, the elected officials called it “inconceivable” that he did not address the serious questions about school safety at MS 158Q. The elected officials demanded that Chancellor Carranza schedule an evening public meeting as soon as possible to address the misconduct, and they referenced a prior letter sent earlier in the month outlining several open questions about the DOE’s protocols in handling sexual assault in schools.

“Our students, parents and teachers deserve answers from the Department of Education when it comes to school safety,” said State Senator John Liu, Chair of the NYS Senate Committee on NYC Education. “It was simply shocking that Chancellor Carranza could hold a town hall meeting without ever addressing serious questions and concerns about reported incidents of assault and sexual harassment. Chancellor Carranza must return to District 26 in short order and have a constructive dialogue with our community about these critical matters. It will be difficult for him to restore any trust without doing so.”

“I would never get up and abruptly walk out of a meeting like Chancellor Carranza did,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng. “Parents were not grandstanding. They were justifiably angry because they don’t believe their kids are safe in school. By leaving, the chancellor failed to adequately address their concerns. Chancellor Carranza must immediately schedule another meeting in District 26.”

“The recent reports of sexual assault and violence at MS 158 are alarming and require an in person response from the Chancellor,” said Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein. “At the CDEC 26 Town Hall Meeting on January 16^th, Chancellor Carranza failed to address community concerns and instead displayed a shocking lack of empathy by dismissing the parents of assault victims as 'grandstanding.' I join with my colleagues in demanding that Chancellor Carranza return to CDEC 26 and directly answer questions from MS 158 families regarding these troubling incidents.”

“Families deserve peace of mind in knowing that their children's education and well-being are of the utmost priority and that no effort is spared to ensure their safety in the classroom,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “The situation unfolding at M.S. 158 Marie Curie sends an alarming message of instability and the lack of direct communication from the DOE with parents is unacceptable. Chancellor Carranza failed to take the opportunity at last week's town hall to provide clarity and we urge him to return immediately to address parents and students who deserve answers.”

“Every student and every family expects a safe and nurturing environment at school,” said Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik. “It is my hope that the chancellor will return to Northeast Queens in the near future to listen to our concerns and discuss how the education department will meet our expectations.”

“Parents and administrators are right to demand answers from the Department of Education regarding its handling of school safety issues, and as the steward of the DOE, Chancellor Carranza is obligated to address these concerns,” said Council Member Peter Koo. “I join my colleagues in calling on the Chancellor to return to clear the air regarding the very serious safety and accountability concerns brought to light at MS 158Q.”

“Hundreds of parents and teachers looking for answers about the recent disturbing incidents that have taken place at MS 158 showed up for the Chancellor's Town Hall in District 26, but they were instead turned away feeling more frustrated and confused,” said Council Member Paul Vallone. “I join my fellow elected officials in demanding Chancellor Carranza promptly return to District 26 to a provide clear answers on DOE school safety and reporting protocols and an immediate action plan for the troubled MS 158. Protecting our City's children must always be our highest priority.”