Parents at some of the city’s most troubled schools said Wednesday that Mayor de Blasio is not doing enough to improve them — even as Hizzoner was visiting classes in all five boroughs and boasting of his education achievements on the first day of classes.
“My kids are using hand-me-down books with pages missing. De Blasio may say he’s put more money into schools, but the schools my kids go to haven’t seen the money,” fumed Christina, a restaurant worker from Astoria whose daughter is a ninth-grader at Wadleigh School for Performing and Visual Arts on West 114th Street.
None of the students at the school in grades that took the state’s Common Core math and English exams passed this year.
“My daughter had to bring tissues and hand soap to class today,” Christina said, adding that De Blasio “talks a good line, but he’s gotta back it up. Stop trying to make yourself look better to the world, and do something.”
Michael, another parent bringing his daughter to class, also blasted the mayor. “De Blasio is too all over the place. He’s not as focused on reconciling our issues here,” he said.
Ervin Adams, who was dropping off his granddaughter, a 10th-grader, added, “He’s not in touch with what these kids need; he’s always out of town.”
Adams said he offered to get involved at the school — parental involvement was one of the mayor’s goals — but was told to come back when there was a PTA meeting.
Parents at Automotive HS in Brooklyn — another struggling school — were also unhappy.
Jay Dow, 36, of Brooklyn, was shocked to learn the school has a 49 percent graduation rate.
The mayor “should turn his focus on failing schools. Come up with the strategic plan,” Dow said.
De Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña began their day at PS 59 in Staten Island before heading in separate directions on their citywide tour.
Additional reporting by Michael Gartland



