City Again Denies Testing Services for School Children Despite State Law and Court Order
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza continue to deny students in non-public schools the same Covid testing services that are being provided to public school students, despite being required to do so by New York State Education Law and two consecutive court decisions, said Michael Deegan, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York.
“Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York opened on time for in-person instruction in September, and have safely operated since then, complying with all city and state health and safety requirements,” Deegan said.
“The Archdiocese won another important victory in its fight to keep Catholic schools open for in-person instruction and New York City Catholic school children safe, as the New York State Supreme Court on Staten Island issued a judgment on January 11, 2021 ordering the New York City Department of Education to immediately comply with New York State law and provide COVID-19 testing services and facilities to New York City children attending Catholic schools in designated ‘Yellow Zones’ in the same manner and same extent that the City is providing such testing to New York City children in the City’s public schools,” Deegan continued.
He added, “The decision is significant because Executive Order 202.68, enacted into law by Governor Cuomo on October 9, 2020, requires that schools in designated ‘Yellow Zones’ test 20 percent of their students, faculty, and staff every two weeks in order to remain open for in-person instruction. Faced with the prospect of another round of catastrophic school closures, the Archdiocese sued the City under Section 912 of New York’s Education Law, which requires school districts to provide all health and welfare services to students in non-public schools in the same manner and to the same extent that the school district provides such services to public school students.”
Deegan summarized the court decision as a clear and unambiguous victory for Catholic and other non-public schools. He said, “In his ruling in favor of the Archdiocese, the Honorable Justice Wayne Ozzi concluded that the City’s efforts to deny COVID-19 testing services to New York City Catholic school students in the midst of a public health emergency that the City was providing to public school children residing in the same community ‘belie[d] logic’ and constituted a clear violation of New York State law. The court further rejected the City’s ‘self-serving’ and ‘spurious’ assertions used to justify its decision to evade compliance with New York State law and protect all New York City children equally during this public health crisis. The fight continues, however, as the City has already appealed the decision of the Supreme Court, automatically staying the effect of Monday’s order.”
One Catholic school parent, Mrs. Jasmine Rodriquez, whose two children have attended Catholic school in the Bronx, including a current 8th grade student, reacted strongly to the news of the City’s attempt to deny testing to non-public school students. She said, “My children have been reminded every day the difference between right and wrong, that they should do the right thing. They are also taught that we are all equal in God’s eyes, nobody is better than anybody else. Mayor de Blasio and the chancellor need to do the right thing, follow the law and treat our children the way they treat public school students. Maybe our students can teach a class in right and wrong for city hall.”
Superintendent Deegan concluded, “We will continue our efforts to ensure that all students, regardless of which school they attend, are treated fairly and equitably by the City of New York during this health crisis, as the law and basic decency demand.”
Click here to view the full release | Haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio
Virtual School Open Houses Put Prospective Students, Families in the Know
Since early December, prospective students and their families have been able to participate in the archdiocesan Virtual Visiting Program for school open houses, a solid plan stemming from limitations on in-person visits due to the pandemic.
“This is critical to our recruitment process and to families being able to get the information that they need about our schools,” Veronica Jarek-Prinz, archdiocesan director of school Enrollment Management, told Catholic New York in a phone interview last week.
“It’s been our mission to keep the schools open and safe for families during the pandemic, and so our office has worked to develop a completely safe virtual enrollment process.”
> Click here to read the full article. Pictured: Our Lady of Lourdes School in West Harlem NYC.
NYC Catholic schools want to be included in early COVID-19 vaccine distribution
In a joint letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza, Superintendents Michael J. Deegan, of the Archdiocese of New York, and Tom Chadzuko, of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, requested for Catholic school teachers to be included in the city’s upcoming teacher-focused vaccination rollout.
> Click here to view the full article
Cardinal Dolan releases statement on efforts in Congress to support schools during COVID-19 Pandemic
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, released the following statement yesterday on efforts in Congress to support schools during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Every child, teacher, and staff member in every school—public, independent, and religious—has struggled with the Covid-19 pandemic afflicting America.
“The coronavirus does not discriminate based on where a child attends school. It does not discriminate based on what kind of school a teacher serves.
“As Congress continues to deliberate this week on Covid emergency relief, sadly, some of its membership seeks to discriminate against children, teachers, and staff who happen to attend or work in an independent or religious school by denying funds to sustain them during this nation’s ongoing, unprecedented health emergency.
“Religious and non-governmental schools educate approximately 10 percent of our nation’s schoolchildren, and accordingly save taxpayers billions of dollars on an annual basis. Many of these children are among our nation’s most vulnerable from high-needs communities, whose parents make enormous sacrifices for their education. They are no less afflicted by the coronavirus and no less entitled to emergency education funding from Congress commensurate with the amount provided to district public schools.
“I call on the U.S. Congress, starting with New York State’s distinguished delegation, to treat all schoolchildren, staff and teachers equally in providing emergency funding in the fight against this insidious coronavirus. Robust emergency aid for students in non-public schools must be included in any final Covid agreement this week.
“Again, coronavirus does not discriminate based on schooling. Neither should our representatives in the Congress of the United States.
“We do not want to say “bah humbug” to the 10% of our children in non-public schools.”
Catholic Elementary Schools of the Archdiocese of New York to Close Tomorrow Due to Impending Snow Storm
All Catholic Elementary Schools in the Archdiocese of New York, will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, December 17th, due to the expected heavy snow storm (click here to view the full press release).
The National Weather Service expects accumulations exceeding 18 inches in some areas, as well as winds gusting as high as 40 MPH which will cause hazardous driving conditions and the potential for power outages throughout the Metropolitan Area.
Archdiocese High Schools operate independently, so high school families need to follow instructions from their individual schools.
“The health and safety of our teachers, staff and students are always the first thought that crosses our minds. To that end, the Archdiocese will have a ‘traditional snow day’ tomorrow with no online instruction and all schools buildings closed,” said Michael J. Deegan, Superintendent of Schools, Archdiocese of New York.
“And please continue to take all COVID precautions, since COVID does not take a snow day or a holiday,” said Mr. Deegan.
Archdiocese of New York Expands COVID Response Team
Testing and vaccine coordinator hired to oversee operations across schools. Kevin F. Thompson to streamline current COVID testing process and establish future vaccine-related measures.
Click here to view press release in English | Haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio
In order to meet the growing needs of our school system during the evolving COVID-19 pandemic in New York, Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Michael J. Deegan is announcing an expansion of the COVID Response Team of the Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent. Mr. Deegan is pleased to welcome Kevin F. Thompson in the new position of Testing and Vaccine Coordinator.
Mr. Thompson will join the team as a consultant to efficiently and effectively streamline the current testing process required by state mandate for schools to remain open. This work will play a part in establishing the logistical groundwork for our schools once a vaccine plays a role in the administration of our schools.
“We continue to rigorously follow the guidance of government health officials and to monitor the developments on COVID vaccines,” said Mr. Deegan. “There is currently no requirement to receive a vaccine, and we await direction on that front as well as the evolving COVID situation in the metropolitan area from the federal, state and city agencies. Mr. Thompson’s vast experience in managing planning and logistics will be invaluable as we step up our strategies to keep our schools safely open.”
Mr. Thompson holds a B.A. in Government and International Relations, as well as a Masters in Business Administration, both earned at The University of Notre Dame. Mr. Thompson served our country for six years in The United States Navy as an Officer. During his years at the consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, Mr. Thompson led multiple strategic innovation and transformation efforts for a variety of clients, including large-scale infrastructure and energy projects at one of the largest federal agencies in the United States government.
Government testing and safety protocols are constantly changing as COVID-19 spikes throughout the New York metropolitan area. In addition to Mr. Thompson, Mr. Denis Sweeney, Esq. and Ms. Theresa Hutchinson have also been engaged to enhance the efficiency with which COVID-related response is carried out. The expanded scope of the response team will ensure we meet regulations as they are issued so our school buildings may remain safely open.
Among those on the response team with greater day-to-day roles and responsibilities will be Coordinator Bridgette Mastaglio, Henry Costello, and Vincent Nabavi. Mr. Thompson and his colleagues will report to Mr. Deegan and Senior Associate Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Michael Coppotelli.
About Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York:
Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York serve nearly 62,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade across 172 schools across 9 counties and boroughs throughout New York. Catholic schools offer a unique combination of academic and spiritual development that empowers children of all backgrounds to gain the confidence to realize their fullest potential.
Is NYC’s Department of Education trying to sabotage Catholic schools?
Superintendent of Catholic Schools Michael J. Deegan penned an op-ed in today’s New York Post regarding the New York City Department of Education’s decision to immediately appeal Judge Ozzi’s decision regarding equal testing for Catholic school students.
> Click here to read the full article
NYC Catholic schools remain open during pandemic; city to provide testing for kids, staff
Thursday, Nov. 25: Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York Michael J. Deegan spoke with Pix 11 regarding his decision to keep Catholic schools safely open, despite city closures. Deegan noted a .003% positivity rate and said, “Our children need to be in school. The social, emotional and spiritual well-being of our children need to be met in person.”
> Click here to view the interview!
Superintendent Michael J. Deegan Interview on Relevant Radio
John Harper of Relevant Radio interviewed Michael J. Deegan, Superintendent of Schools in the Archdiocese of New York, on the decision to keep Catholic schools open, and how Catholic schools plan to do so, safely.
> Click here for the interview
Superintendent Michael J. Deegan Interviewed on EWTN News Nightly by Mark Irons
On Nov. 20, Superintendent Michael J. Deegan spoke with Mark Irons on EWTN News Nightly about the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York’s recent victory over the New York City Department of Education, mandating the DOE to provide equal testing resources to Catholic schools as is provided to public schools.
> Click here to view the news clip
Judge Rules in Favor of Catholic Schools in Case against New York City Department of Education
For Immediate Release:
Judge Rules in Favor of Catholic Schools in Case against New York City Department of Education
Public Schools Must Provide COVID-19 Testing to Catholic Schools Where Law Mandates
Michael J. Deegan, Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of New York, released the following statement today in response to the decision by Judge Wayne Ozzi of the New York State Supreme Court – Richmond County, granting the relief sought by Catholic schools that the Department of Education of the City of New York provide the same Covid-19 testing for its students as it does for public school students, as required under Section 912 of the State Education Law.
“We are most grateful for the judge’s swift and favorable decision on behalf of our Catholic school students and their families. The law is clear: the health and safety of students in non- public schools are as important as the health and safety of students in public schools. We hope Chancellor Carranza and the City DOE will now do the right thing and immediately provide the appropriate COVID-19 testing in accordance with the law.”
About the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York:
Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York serve nearly 62,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade across 172 schools across 9 counties and boroughs throughout New York. Catholic schools offer a unique combination of academic and spiritual development that empowers children of all backgrounds to gain the confidence to realize their fullest potential.
For more information, visit: CatholicSchoolsNY.org
NYC Catholic Schools in Session While Pandemic Closes Public Schools
The National Catholic Register covered the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York’s decision to keep schools open, despite the closure of New York City’s public schools.
> Click here to view the full article.
Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Deegan appears on Conversations with Cardinal Dolan
Mr. Deegan joined His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan on ‘Conversations with Cardinal Dolan’ today, to discuss the decision to keep the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York open, citing a .0016% positivity rate within the schools. The Archbishop and Superintendent also discussed testing, and the city’s and state’s responsibility to step up to ensure the health and safety of Catholic school children, under law.
> Click here to watch the video!
NYC Catholic schools remain open with ‘uptick’ in enrollment as public schools close
Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Deegan appeared on Fox and Friends this morning at 7:15 a.m. to speak about the archdiocese’s decision to keep Catholic schools open regardless of the public school decision.
> Click here to view this live coverage
New York City schools closure could be 1st domino in rollback of COVID reopenings
The public schools in New York City may be closing, but the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York remain committed to keeping their buildings open, while monitoring the health and safety of students and staff. ABC 7 NY was on the scene at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Manhattan to speak to parents and students about why they feel safe and happy to attend their Catholic school.
> Click here to view the full report from ABC 7 NY
Catholic Schools Across City Vow to Stay Open, Even if Public Schools Don’t
reported on our declaration to keep our schools open regardless of what the public schools do. We take pride in the fact that our school communities have remained safe places for our students to learn, pray and grow together. For this reason, we feel we can handle our schools on a case-by-case basis, allowing for in-person learning to continue.
> Click here to view the full report
Archdiocese of New York Commits to Safely Keeping Schools Open, Irrespective of NYC Public School Closures
THIS JUST RELEASED! (Haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio)
Since early September, the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York have been open for in-person learning. This ambitious course of action was made possible by the development of clear health and safety protocols under the Catholic Schools Reopening Plan and by strict adherence from school administrators, staff, and the students themselves. New York City’s Catholic schools remain one of the safest places for students.
“Catholic schools operate independently of New York City public schools,” said Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Michael J. Deegan. “In the event of a closure of public schools by the mayor’s office, our Catholic schools will remain open until our Health and Safety Task Force, working with officials from the New York State Department of Health and the governor’s office determines otherwise.”
Catholic schools faithfully follow rigorous state health guidelines, and decisions regarding closures can be made on an as-needed, school-by-school-basis. This approach is in line with the recommendations of Archdiocese health advisers who make these most pressing determinations regarding student and faculty safety.
With a rising positivity rate citywide, it’s likely that additional neighborhoods will find themselves under a Yellow Cluster Zone designation. The Archdiocese stands ready to comply with the all the requirements necessary to remain open safely for in-person learning and is committed to working with government health authorities to keep our schools and the greater community around them safe.
About the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York:
Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York serve nearly 62,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade across 172 schools across 9 counties and boroughs throughout New York.
Catholic schools offer a unique combination of academic and spiritual development that empowers children of all backgrounds to gain the confidence to realize their fullest potential.
Archdiocese of NY demands city pay for COVID-19 testing in hot-spot Catholic schools
The Archdiocese of New York is demanding the city pay for and administer COVID-19 testing for students in Catholic schools in the coronavirus yellow zones in order to meet the mandatory 20 percent testing threshold, which will allow schools to remain open for in-person learning. Lawyers for the archdiocese continue to assert that Catholic school children are entitled to this testing, under law, saying “Section 912 of the Education Law clearly requires that school boards must provide children attending nonpublic schools within their districts with ‘all of the health and welfare services’ they provide to their public school students, including ‘the administration of health screening tests.”
Catholic Schools in Manhattan and The Bronx to Remain Open — Operating Independently of NYC Public Schools
In a message sent on Saturday to parents with children attending Catholic Schools in Manhattan and The Bronx, Superintendent Michael J. Deegan wrote (haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio):
As you are aware, there have been recent spikes in cases of COVID-19 throughout New York City. Since September 9th, our Catholic schools have provided safe in-person learning. We will continue to remain faithful to all the health and safety protocols and procedures as laid out by federal, state and city health officials and the Catholic Schools Reopening Plan. We intend to keep our buildings open regardless of decisions made by Mayor de Blasio regarding NYC public schools.
Our Catholic schools operate independently of New York City public schools. In the event of a closure of public schools by the mayor’s office, we will remain open until the Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent, working with officials from the New York State Department of Health and the governor’s office determines otherwise.
Thank you for your partnership in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for in-person learning. We intend to keep our buildings open for as long as safety allows.
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael J. Deegan
Superintendent of Schools
Archdiocese of New York
Staten Island Catholic Schools to Re-Open Their Buildings This Monday November 16
In a message to Staten Island Catholic Schools Families, the Superintendent of Schools wrote:
I want to write with an update on the status of the yellow zone designation of our schools. All Catholic schools on Staten Island will reopen our buildings this Monday, November 16.
In order to keep our buildings open, we have informed New York City officials that we expect the testing services they are legally mandated to provide to be in place by or before Friday, November 20.
This expectation will allow us to meet the threshold of testing 20 percent of students and staff in each building. So many of you have told your elected officials you want our schools to remain open. We are grateful to nearly all of the Staten Island elected officials who have voiced strong support of our position that our Catholic schools receive every health and safety service ? including COVID-19 testing ? to which we are entitled under the law.
The city and New York State can say they are providing a free test kit, but they are not providing staff, paying for a lab to complete the processing, nor creating the reports which schools must submit to the state. This is not parity under the law. In the event the New York City does not provide the services, in addition to potential litigation, the archdiocese is working with community partners for testing alternatives to meet those requirements to ensure we can remain open.
You also may hear New York City public schools are going remote any day. Catholic Schools will remain open until we are legally required to close or the Health and Safety Task Force of the Superintendent of Schools determines it is unsafe for our students and staff.
We have all worked tirelessly to ensure of Catholic schools remain open for in-school learning. We are grateful for your partnership all these months in creating a safe and healthy environment for our beloved children and our dedicated staff. We look forward to seeing everyone back in school Monday morning!
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael J. Deegan
Superintendent of Schools
Archdiocese of New York
FURTHER UPDATE: Staten Island Catholic Schools
Today, the Superintendent of Schools issued this further update regarding Catholic Schools on Staten Island (Haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio):
Dear Staten Island Catholic Schools Community,
I know the past 24 hours has been filled with frustration, angst and uncertainty for your family and most especially your children. While we had wanted to share additional information with you yesterday, given the rapidly evolving situation and the ever changing city and state requirements, we wanted to provide you as much notice as possible given the requirement that we close as a result of the designation of the greater part of Staten Island as a COVID-19 yellow zone.
Please know our singular focus remains our ability to restore 5 days of full in person learning for as many students as our buildings will safely hold. I am grateful to the principals, teachers, and you the parents who allowed us to open our schools on day one and keep them open until today.
In order for our school buildings to remain open in a yellow zone, 20 percent of staff and students must be tested weekly for COVID-19, according to the New York State health department. New York City is legally required to provide these health services for Catholic schools but have thus far failed to do so, despite repeated requests for parity. We were forced to temporarily pause in-person instruction as we continue to advocate to receive the testing services to which we are entitled under the law. The same services provided to public schools!
While these days of remote home-based learning may have been imposed on us, the archdiocese, in collaboration with local elected officials, are pursuing all remedies to ensure our schools receive what they are legally entitled. We stand ready, if needed, to defend the rights of our students legally. We are also actively engaging the Governor’s Office, community health partners and stakeholders to ensure families, teachers and administrators can follow the testing protocols once they have been established, allowing a safe return to in-person instruction. We will continue to keep you updated as things progress.
While this forced transition to full remote instruction is not our preference, our dedicated principals and teachers have planned for and are prepared for this brief pause. It was a prudent step to take, made necessary by the spike in cases and city officials’ lack of action on our behalf, to protect the health and safety of the Staten Island Catholic school communities, the community of Staten Island as a whole, and the viability of Catholic education in New York.
As we just celebrated Veterans Day, I ask that you join me in prayer to Blessed Fr. Vincent Capodanno, who will be Staten Island’s first Saint. I am reminded of his words to us “Belief in Christ brings with it a deeply rooted sense in the primacy and urgency of now. Not last year or next year, but now”.
“Now” is the time that we will remain united for our children!
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael J. Deegan
Superintendent of Schools
Archdiocese of New York
CC: Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York
URGENT NOTICE: Staten Island Schools Transition to All-Remote Learning Starting Thursday Nov. 12
November 11, 2020
Dear Catholic School Families,
Over the past seven days, the average positivity rates in many areas of Staten Island areas have risen to as high as 5.2 percent and new daily hospital admissions have increased. For these reasons, Governor Cuomo announced today that the greater part of Staten Island is now a yellow zone.
As such, all Catholic elementary schools in the Staten Island region will transition to remote learning as of tomorrow, Thursday, November 12, for the foreseeable future. Principals and teachers are prepared for this transition and have crafted plans for remote instruction guided by the Continuity of Learning Plan prepared by the Office of the Superintendent. Each principal will contact their school community this evening with the details to allow this smooth transition to remote learning. The process begins tomorrow with school buildings opened for limited access to allow staff and K-8 students to retrieve personal items and all materials necessary for remote learning.
Principals will be sharing additional information with families in UPK/3K and tuition-based prekindergarten programs. Children in these programs should not report to school tomorrow.
The Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent is working closely with New York City Department of Health officials to establish, operationalize and implement the necessary protocols to safely reopen our school buildings as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael J. Deegan
Superintendent of Schools
Archdiocese of New York
NYC Catholic schools seeing new interest, applications from public school families
New York Post reports that City Catholic schools are seeing a surge of interest from disaffected public school families, according to parochial officials. Frustrated by the lack of full-time classes and general public school turmoil during the coronavirus, parents have been turning to Catholic Schools as an alternative.
Halloween should be spooky, not scary!
Governor Cuomo asks for your help to make sure everyone has a healthy and safe Halloween.
Halloween celebrations and activities, including trick-or-treating, can be filled with fun, but must be done in a safe way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Superintendent Deegan on CFN Live
Monsignor Jim Vlaun, president of Catholic Faith Network, interviewed Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Deegan on his show, CFN live on Oct. 22 to speak about how the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York are thriving thanks to a successful reopening. They also speak about how parents, even from public schools, are seeing the value of Catholic education now more than ever and how the schools in the Archdiocese of New York have become a national model for success.