MAYOR DE BLASIO AND CHANCELLOR CARRANZA ANNOUNCE RECORD HIGH GRADUATION RATE, RECORD HIGH COLLEGE ENROLLMENT

 

Graduation rate rises to 78.8 percent, increase of 10 percentage points since the start of the administration

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza today announced that New York City’s 2020 four-year high school graduation rate has reached a record high of 78.8 percent, with gains in every borough. The graduation rate has increased every year of this administration, and is up 10.3 percentage points since 2014. The number of students enrolling in a two or four-year college program, as well as a vocational or public service program after graduation, has also reached an all-time high of 62.8%.

 

“Our record-high graduation rate during a global pandemic is a testament to this administration’s unwavering commitment to equity and excellence for every child in every borough, said Mayor Bill de Blasio.  “I am confident our longstanding investments in education will continue to open doors for countless students to come.”

 

“No matter the circumstances, New York City students continue to make record progress and exceed our expectations,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. “In the middle of a pandemic, our graduation rates are up, dropout rates are down, and we continue to close the achievement gap in every borough. While critical work lies ahead, we celebrate our students, families and educators for their tremendous achievements, and most importantly today, honor our most recent graduates.”

  

Academic planning for juniors and seniors was top of mind during the transition of the nation’s largest school system to remote learning last spring. School counselors and college and career planning staff supported the Class of 2020 remotely. Schools worked hard to keep students on track toward graduation, supporting them on mastering courses, offering rigorous instruction and individualized postsecondary planning to prepare them for their next steps after completing high school.

 

The record-high graduation rate is a 1.5 percentage point increase compared to the previous year, among the cohort of all students who entered ninth grade in the fall of 2016, keeping the City on track to surpass the nation’s graduation rate in the next five years, reaching 86 percent by 2026. The dropout rate has fallen to a record low of 5.8 percent, with a 2.0 point decrease from last year.

 

In tandem with these gains, we’re seeing more students than ever go on to college and postsecondary education:

• The highest-ever college readiness rate – 57.7 percent of all students, and 72.5 percent of graduates, in the Class of 2020 graduated high school on time and met CUNY’s standards for college readiness in English and math.
• A postsecondary enrollment rate of 63 percent. 48,968 students in the Class of 2019 enrolled in a two- or four-year college, vocational program, or public service program after graduation, up 8,107 students since the start of the administration.

 

Through College Access for All, every high school has resources and supports for students to graduate with a college and career plan. This has included eliminating the CUNY college application fee for low-income students. In the Class of 2019, 44,936 students redeemed fee waivers through CUNY, allowing them to apply for free.

 

Last spring in the height of COVID-19, the New York State Education Department canceled the June and August Regents Examinations, and announced emergency modifications to requirements for students to graduate and earn their high school diplomas amidst a global pandemic. Due to the cancelation of the exams, students who would have taken one or more Regents were exempted from passing the assessments in order to be issued a diploma, as long as they met certain eligibility requirements, including demonstrating proficiency and earning course credit in the course of study culminating in a Regents exam.

 

Earning a diploma is the culmination of four years of coursework and credit, and although the school year was interrupted, students had completed most of their requirements by March. Regents are not the only measure of success, and students earn credit for courses that don’t culminate in a Regents examination. Approximately 7,950, or 13.5 percent of NYCDOE 2020 graduates used a State-offered Regents waiver to fulfill exam requirements for graduation, a lower percentage than the other four major school districts in the state. Each year, many of these students prepare for and take the Regents to keep them on track, and they move on to graduate.

 

This administration has made historic investments in working to close the achievement gap and put every student on the path to college and careers. We set students on a path to success early with 3-K and Pre-K For All, stronger early elementary school instruction, more rigorous coursework for middle and high schoolers, and more support for students and families throughout the school system. Computer Science for All brings 21st-century computer science instruction to every school, and AP for All expands access to high school students to be able to take at least five Advanced Placement courses.

 

Graduation rates improved across Asian, Black and Hispanic students, with a decrease in the gap between Black and White students and Hispanic and White students. The graduation rate was:

 

• 89.5 percent for Asian students, up 1.3 points since 2019, and up 6.9 points from 2014.
• 75.9 percent for Black students, up 2.1 points since 2019, and up 12.1 points from 2014.
• 74.1 percent for Hispanic students, up 2.1 points since 2019, and up 12.7 points from 2014.
• 83.8 percent for White students, down 1.2 points since 2019, and up 3.2 points from 2014.

 

The 4-year graduation rate increased and the dropout rate decreased across all five boroughs.

 

The largest improvement in graduation and dropout rates was in the Bronx:

 

	Graduation
Borough	2020 # Cohort	% 2020 Grad	% 2019 Grad	Pt. Diff
Bronx	13605	73.0	70.2	+2.8
Brooklyn	20727	77.7	77.0	+0.8
Manhattan	15772	79.2	78.3	+0.9
Queens	19696	82.2	80.7	+1.5
Staten Island	4723	84.1	82.7	+1.4

 

 

	Dropout
Borough	2020 # Cohort	% 2020 Dropout	% 2019 Dropout	Pt. Diff
Bronx	13605	9.3	12.7	-3.3
Brooklyn	20727	5.3	7.1	-1.8
Manhattan	15772	4.9	7.1	-2.2
Queens	19696	5.1	6.2	-1.1
Staten Island	4723	3.8	5.1	-1.2

 

The graduation rate for Ever English Language Learners (students who had been classified as ELLs and exited ELL status any year prior to school year of their last enrollment) increased by 1.3 percentage points, rising from 87.7 percent in 2019 to 89.0 percent in 2020. When looking just at Current English Language Learners (students who were identified as ELLs during the school year of their last enrollment), the graduation rate increased by 4.8 percentage points, from 40.9 percent in August 2019 to 45.7 percent in August 2020.

 

There were also gains among students with disabilities, with a 52.8 percent graduation rate in 2020, an increase of 12.3 percentage points since 2014. 

  

REACHING NYC SENIORS: MAYOR DE BLASIO TO LAUNCH NYCHA VACCINATION SITES FOR RESIDENTS 65+

 

First three sites to launch this weekend in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Manhattan; program brings on-site vaccine clinics to NYCHA developments for residents 65+

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that the City will open vaccination clinics in NYCHA developments, providing on-site vaccinations for residents 65 or older. Clinics will open at the Van Dyke I & II Houses in Brooklyn, Cassidy Lafayette Houses in Staten Island, and Polo Grounds Towers in Manhattan this coming weekend, with plans to move to different sites across the city in the coming weeks. 

“Equity is the driving force of our vaccine plan, and doses must go directly to those who need them most,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “That’s why we’re meeting our most vulnerable where they are, providing vaccines to our NYCHA seniors right in their own communities.” 

To reach New Yorkers over the age of 65, the City continues to broaden its outreach to seniors through its agency partners and trusted community voices. With a comprehensive outreach campaign spearheaded by the Vaccine Planning Group for Older New Yorkers, the City is partnering with local organizations to get the word out about accessible and safe vaccinations in New York City for seniors, knocking on doors, placing direct calls and robocalls, holding virtual townhalls, partnering with local health providers and more.

“Ensuring our most vulnerable residents have convenient, trusted access to vaccination is paramount to New York City's fair recovery," said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been.  "NYCHA's on-site senior vaccination sites across the city are key to keeping all New Yorkers safe and healthy." 

“Our priority has been reaching older adults in communities of color and in communities most impacted by this pandemic. And with our partners at NYCHA and other sister agencies, we are doing just that,” said DFTA Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. “Older adults trust their senior centers and the dedicated staff at the senior centers within these NYCHA developments will be reaching out to older NYCHA residents 65+ to ensure they get vaccinated and have the assistance they need to do so.” 

“Ensuring the health and safety of NYCHA residents, particularly our seniors who are among our most vulnerable New Yorkers, is our chief priority,” said NYCHA Chairman & CEO Gregory Russ. “By making the COVID-19 vaccine available to  65+ residents at specific NYCHA community and senior centers, we can ensure that residents in underserved neighborhoods have access to this life-saving resource. NYCHA remains committed to working with our City partners and continuing to connect our residents to food and crucial health and social services throughout the pandemic.” 

Attorney General James Files Lawsuit Against the NYPD for Excessive Use of Force

 

Landmark Lawsuit Outlines NYPD’s Use of Brutal Force Against Protesters and Pattern of False Arrests

AG James Seeks Systemic Reforms at NYPD, Implementation of External Monitor to Oversee Changes

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today filed a lawsuit against the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and its leadership to end its pattern of using excessive force and making false arrests against New Yorkers during peaceful protests. In the complaint, Attorney General James outlines the NYPD’s illegal and harmful conduct against New Yorkers during recent racial justice protests and for years prior, which has led to significant injuries and violated individuals’ basic right to peacefully protest. The lawsuit specifically charges the NYPD, the City of New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea, and NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan with failing to address this longstanding pattern of abuse by not properly training, supervising, and disciplining officers to prevent misconduct, despite knowledge and public admission that it violated the rights of New Yorkers.

In the complaint, Attorney General James lays out dozens of examples of the NYPD’s blatant use of excessive force and other misconduct, since May 2020, including the indiscriminate, unjustified, and repeated use of batons, pepper spray, bicycles, and a crowd-control tactic known as “kettling” against peaceful protesters — all causing protesters significant physical harm. NYPD officers also unlawfully arrested legal observers, medics, and other workers performing essential services without probable cause and in direct violation of executive orders from Mayor de Blasio. The lawsuit seeks broad injunctive relief, including systemic reforms to the NYPD and the implementation of a monitor to oversee the NYPD’s policing tactics in future protests and to ensure compliance with the law.

“There is no question that the NYPD engaged in a pattern of excessive, brutal, and unlawful force against peaceful protesters,” said Attorney General James. “Over the past few months, the NYPD has repeatedly and blatantly violated the rights of New Yorkers, inflicting significant physical and psychological harm and leading to great distrust in law enforcement. With today’s lawsuit, this longstanding pattern of brutal and illegal force ends. No one is above the law — not even the individuals charged with enforcing it.”

Background

Following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, thousands of protesters took to the streets across New York City to protest Mr. Floyd’s death, the killing of Breonna Taylor, and the larger pattern of unarmed Black people being killed by the police.

After several evenings of violent clashes between the NYPD and protesters, Governor Andrew Cuomo called on the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to conduct a civil investigation into police misconduct during these incidents. Since May 30, 2020, the OAG received more than 1,300 complaints and pieces of evidence through a dedicated online portal and phone and email hotlines. Attorney General James also held a three-day public hearing with testimony from more than 100 protesters, community-based organizations, elected officials, and NYPD Commissioner Shea. In addition to the public testimony, the OAG received more than 300 submissions of written testimony.

Overview of Claims

Based on the myriad of complaints received and subsequent investigation, the OAG found that from May 28, 2020 to December 11, 2020, in response to these largely peaceful protests, NYPD officers effectuated mass arrests without probable cause; unjustifiably deployed pepper spray, batons, and other force against protesters; and targeted and retaliated against First Amendment activity so frequently and pervasively as to constitute customs or usages of the NYPD.

Use of Force

NYPD officers unjustifiably deployed pepper spray and used batons, bikes, and other force against protesters, repeatedly violating New Yorkers’ constitutional rights and grossly violating NYPD policies regarding the use of force and the use of pepper spray. As a result of these actions, protesters experienced significant physical harm, including broken bones, gashes requiring stitches and staples, concussions, and other harm, as well as extensive psychological harm. In total, the OAG found that officers:

1 - Struck protesters with blunt instruments at least 50 times,

2 - Unlawfully deployed pepper spray against protesters in at least 30 incidents, and

3 - Used unreasonable force through pushing or striking protesters at least 75 times.

In one instance, Luke Hanna, who was participating in a protest at Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn on June 3, was struck in the back of the head with a baton without provocation or justification while complying with a police directive to disperse. The baton strike caused a gash so severe that Hanna required ten staples in his head to close it. Neither the officer who hit Hanna nor any other officer nearby sought or provided medical attention for Hanna’s wound, and Hanna was not arrested or charged with any crime.

In another instance, Andrew Smith, who was participating in a protest in Brooklyn on May 30, had his COVID-19 facemask pulled down without warning or cause by an officer and was pepper sprayed in the face. As a result of being pepper sprayed, Smith suffered a severe burning sensation to his eyes and face, exacerbation to eczema on the back of his neck that lasted for hours, and difficulty removing and wearing contact lenses for at least a week after the incident. Smith also suffered stress and fear that he had been exposed to COVID-19 when the officer removed his facemask. Smith was not arrested or charged with any crime and did not receive medical aid from any of the officers nearby, in violation of NYPD policy. After the incident, body-worn camera footage captured the officer who sprayed Smith asking fellow officers whether they used their pepper spray and bragging, “I took the guy’s goggles, I ripped the s--- off and I used it.”

Unlawful Detention

Officers arrested or detained hundreds of protesters, legal observers, medics, and others without legal justification. Officers repeatedly violated New Yorkers’ constitutional rights and applicable NYPD policies regarding crowd control and arrest procedure by arresting curfew-exempt individuals; using kettling tactics, excessive force, and threats of force to detain peaceful protesters; and detaining and arresting individuals without probable cause or suspicion that they were engaged in unlawful conduct.

Beginning on June 1, Mayor de Blasio issued several emergency executive orders that imposed curfews in New York City. These orders explicitly exempted “first responders and emergency medical technicians, individuals travelling to and from essential work and performing essential work.” The de Blasio Administration also acknowledged that the curfew orders exempted legal observers, medics, and jail support providers.

In a June 4 protest in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx, officers detained 12 legal observers for purportedly violating the curfew as soon as it took effect and thereby prevented them from observing the large number of protester arrests occurring at the same time. In news footage, a member of the NYPD’s Legal Bureau can be heard shouting to other officers, “legal observers can be arrested. You’re good to go.” Officers also arrested several medics at that same protest in Mott Haven, who were in attendance solely to provide medical assistance.

Kettling

Throughout the time the curfew orders were in effect and beyond, officers engaged in an unlawful practice of kettling or corralling protesters without providing them an opportunity to disperse, and thereafter making mass arrests of protesters without probable cause.

At the June 4 protest in Mott Haven, officers used kettling to trap and arrest protesters. During this incident, approximately five to 10 minutes before the 8 p.m. curfew, officers halted marchers at an intersection, flanking them on both sides and preventing protesters from moving forward. Officers used their bikes to physically push the protesters, resulting in protesters being crushed together. At this time, multiple people stuck in the kettle begged officers to let them go home or leave the protest zone; however, officers refused to make space for these individuals to leave or for the protest to safely disperse.

In all, at least 249 individuals present at this intersection were arrested for violating curfew, and numerous protesters were shoved or hit with batons. The Bronx District Attorney dismissed all of the summonses issued for disorderly conduct, unlawful assembly, and violating curfew arising out of the Mott Haven protest.

Commissioner Shea later commended police conduct at Mott Haven and indicated that the kettling was part of a pre-planned tactic, stating that their execution was “nearly flawless.” Mayor de Blasio also later defended the use of kettling at the protests.  

Extensive Violations of Federal and State Laws

Attorney General James alleges that the City of New York, Mayor de Blasio, NYPD Commissioner Shea, and NYPD Chief of Department Monahan — in their capacities as the chief policy makers for the NYPD — failed to prevent and address the pattern or practice of excessive force and false arrests by officers against peaceful protesters in violation of the First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution, as well as under the New York state Constitution and New York's common law.

Relief

Attorney General James is seeking broad injunctive relief to address these longstanding and systemic problems at the NYPD. That relief includes, but is not limited to, installing a monitor to oversee the NYPD’s policing tactics at future protests and to oversee future compliance with the law, as well as a host of other reforms to address the problematic policies and training failures that are outlined in the complaint. Additionally, the lawsuit seeks a court order declaring that the policies and practices that the NYPD used during these protests were unlawful.

Attorney General James would like to thank former United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch; Barry Friedman, the Jacob D. Fuchsberg professor of law and the founder and faculty director of the Policing Project at the New York University School of Law; and Farhang Heydari, the executive director of the Policing Project; for their support and guidance in this ongoing investigation.

NJ COUPLE ARRESTED FOR USING NY ADDRESS AND LYING ABOUT INCOME TO FRAUDULENTLY OBTAIN $39K IN WELFARE BENEFITS

 

 New York State Inspector General Letizia Tagliafierro today announced that an Office of the New York State Welfare Inspector General investigation has led to the arrest of a New Jersey couple who allegedly lied about their income and residence to fraudulently obtain more than $39,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid benefits.

Carlos Monsanto, 41 and Angelina Reyes, 39, of Teaneck, NJ, were arrested and arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court before Judge Paul McDonnell on charges of Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree and Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, both class D felonies. 

In January 2019, the Office of the Welfare Inspector General (OWIG) received a complaint alleging that Monsanto and Reyes have resided in New Jersey but failed to disclose their out-of-state residency and significant employment income to the New York City Human Resources Administration when applying for public assistance benefits. 

OWIG’s investigation found that Reyes and Monsanto were married in 2004 and listed a Bronx address as place of residence on their marriage certificate. Reyes and Monsanto divorced in 2008, but Reyes moved to Monsanto's home in Teaneck in 2018. A review of utility payments, a real estate purchase, SNAP purchase locations, vehicle lease addresses and material on Reyes’ Facebook page found that the pair indeed resided in Teaneck full time by August 2018.

Despite this, between August 2018 to November 2020, Reyes submitted claims for SNAP and Medicaid assistance in New York State, falsely listing an apartment on 175^th Street in Manhattan as her place of residence. Additionally, Reyes failed to list their actual income in applications/recertifications for benefits. OWIG’s investigation found that Reyes and Monsanto’s combined income in 2019 was more than $132,000. 

In total, Monsanto and Reyes received $39,378 in welfare benefits to which they were not entitled.

 “The welfare system exists to provide a crucial safety net for those in financial distress – not to be abused for personal gain,” said Inspector General Tagliafierro. “I thank our partners at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this matter.” 

Inspector General Tagliafierro thanked the Manhattan District Attorney for conducting the arrest and prosecuting the case. 

The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Congressman Adriano Espaillat Tests Positive for COVID-19

 

Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement after testing positive for COVID-19:

"I am following guidance from my physician and quarantining at home after having tested positive for Covid 19,” said Congressman Espaillat. “I have been administered both shots of the COVID-19 vaccine and have continued to be tested regularly, wear my mask and follow the recommendation guidelines. I will continue my duties representing New York’s 13th congressional district remotely until I have received clearance from my doctor. I encourage all residents to follow public health guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.”

HUNTS POINT PRODUCE MARKET WORKERS’ UNION SCHEDULES STRIKE FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 17th, AS NEGOTIATIONS ON NEW CONTRACT BREAK DOWN

 

1,400 MEMBERS OF TEAMSTERS LOCAL 202 HAVE KEPT NEW YORK FED THROUGH THE PANDEMIC AS EMPLOYERS CASHED MORE THAN $15 MILLION IN FORGIVABLE PPP LOANS

 The unionized workers at the Hunts Point Produce Market are scheduled to go on strike on Sunday, January 17^th, at 12:01 am after negotiations broke down when management refused to budge from a stingy offer for workers who kept New Yorkers fed through the pandemic.

The majority of the workers have an average base salary between $18 and $21 an hour. Employers in the market, who collectively bill billions of dollars in annual sales, received more than $15 million in forgivable PPP loans during the pandemic.

CAMBER PROPERTY GROUP CELEBRATES TOPPING OUT OF SUPPORTIVE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT 913 E. TREMONT AVE. IN THE BRONX

 

  Camber Property Group (CPG) and Westhab today announced the topping out of 913 East Tremont Avenue, a 100 percent affordable rental development in the West Farms section of The Bronx. The building includes 119 housing units, with 60 percent of the apartments reserved for formerly homeless residents requiring supportive services and the balance for low income individuals and families. The development also includes 6,500 square feet of commercial space. 

“This development is transforming an underutilized lot in the West Farms neighborhood into best-in-class affordable housing, and we are thrilled to reach this milestone as we prepare to welcome more than 100 families to their new homes,” said Rick Gropper, Principal at Camber Property Group. “Our city has a critical need for affordable housing, including supportive units for the formerly homeless, and we will continue our work to fill that need across the five boroughs.”

 

Construction of the $50 million project was funded through tax-exempt bond financing, Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity provided by Wells Fargo and public subsidies from the New York State Housing Finance Agency and New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). The building was designed by Aufgang Architects and is being constructed by SD Builders. 

 

“Westhab is thrilled about the topping off of 913 East Tremont, and very grateful for our partnership with Camber,” said Andrew Germansky, Senior Vice President of Real Estate at Westhab. “We look forward to opening the building in 2021, and, thanks to funding from New York's Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI), to providing residents with high-quality, affordable housing and supportive services."  

 

“This $50 million investment in 913 East Tremont Avenue is the latest example of Governor Cuomo’s commitment to expanding affordable housing opportunities and reducing homelessness in the Bronx,” said HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. I am proud that this partnership with the Camber Property Group and Westhab will provide 119 energy-efficient affordable apartments, supportive services and commercial space to the West Farms community. I look forward to that great day when we can welcome future residents to their new homes.”

 

“913 East Tremont is another example of Camber Property Group’s long-term commitment to ensuring Bronxites have quality, affordable housing,” said New York City Council Member Rafael Salamanca. “With the official topping out of the building, the reality of 119 units of affordable housing, including a majority of units at the deepest affordability, is something the West Farms community is eagerly anticipating. I thank Camber and Westhab for their partnership on this project, and look forward to the building’s completion in the months ahead.”

 

“Keeping The Bronx affordable, and the development of new affordable housing units, has been a priority of mine from the day I first took office,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The topping out of 913 East Tremont Avenue is a tremendous step towards providing much needed affordable units, including supportive units for the formerly homeless and useful amenities for the residents. I want to thank Camber Property Group and Westhab for their investment in our borough, and I look forward to the completion of this project, which will provide new homes to many Bronx residents in need.”

 

913 East Tremont Avenue will feature a garden entrance alongside outdoor recreational space, a 1,300-square foot community room, as well as dedicated space for the provision of supportive services by Westhab, a leading community development nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of housing opportunities and social services. 

 

Since its founding in 2016, Camber Property Group has made an impact developing innovative projects and preserving much-needed affordable housing in communities across New York City. In 2020 alone, the firm opened The Strand, a 132 unit mixed-use development located in the heart of Ridgewood, Queens; completed 136 affordable units for seniors at Victory Plaza in Central Harlem and another 161 units of mixed-income housing in The Bronx at the Tiffany Street Apartments. Camber is currently rehabbing more than 1,000 affordable units at two major Bronx developments, West Farms and Baychester through NYCHA’s Rental Assistance Demonstration program. The company also recently closed on a portfolio of 384 affordable housing units across eight buildings in Flatbush, Brooklyn. 

 

More information on Camber Property Group can be found at www.camberpg.com.