Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato toured two separate school complexes today in Rockaway Park, hearing from Channel View School for Research Principal Denise Harper Richards and Scholars’ Academy Principal Brian O’Connell about the unique journeys and successes of both schools. At Scholars’ Academy, she was joined by Borough President Melinda Katz.

“We have some incredible teachers, parents and administrators in our district who labor every day to make sure our students receive a world-class education,” Pheffer Amato said. “It’s always great to get out and meet them, see what innovative new programs they’re rolling out, and hear what challenges they’re facing, so I can try to help where I can.” Pheffer Amato is a former PA president at Scholars’ Academy, and has taken a keen interest in education as both a legislative and a community issue.

Both schools are operating in the unique environment of modern public education. Channel View’s building (Q410) already contains six schools in one building and is slated to receive a seventh “co-located” school in the fall, which Pheffer Amato is investigating ahead of a public comment period Wednesday night. Scholars’ Academy runs as an accelerated school, catering to gifted students between grades 6 and 12.

“I’m so impressed by our district’s diversity and resilience,” said Pheffer Amato. “Education is the cornerstone of our democracy. I appreciate the Borough President for joining me. I especially want to thank Principals Richards and O’Connell for taking time to brief me on the state of their schools, so that I can be the best advocate for our children, teachers and families that I can be.”