Dear District 24 Community, 

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express strong support for Resolution 193, which calls on New York City to end the harmful practice of transferring shelter-involved families—particularly those with children enrolled in NYC Public Schools.

The recent experience of the PS 199Q community in District 24 has demonstrated just how disruptive and destabilizing abrupt shelter transfers can be for students and their families. These moves often occur with
little notice, forcing children to leave their school, their teachers, their transportation routes, and the support systems that are essential to their academic and emotional wellbeing.

Our schools work tirelessly to provide stability, safety, and continuity for every child. Frequent forced transfers undermine this mission and contribute to chronic absenteeism, academic setbacks, and trauma. Families need consistency—not displacement. Children deserve the opportunity to remain in the schools where they are connected, supported, and thriving.

Resolution 193 is an important step toward ensuring that NYC adopts humane, family-centered policies that prioritize the educational rights and stability of our most vulnerable students. I urge you to support this resolution and to advocate for citywide policies that:

• Protect students from being uprooted during the school year
• Ensure shelter placements consider school enrollment and transportation needs
• Strengthen coordination between DHS, DOE, and community stakeholders
• Uphold the educational protections afforded to all students under federal and state law

The PS 199Q community, and communities across the city, are counting on leadership that prioritizes children’s stability and wellbeing. These families deserve dignity, consistency, and the full support of the systems designed to serve them.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued service to our community. I would welcome the opportunity to share additional information or participate in any conversations that will help advance this critical issue.

Regards,
Community Education Council 24
Public School 71 – Forest