Martin Van Buren HS has made great strides in improving education and has been removed from all lists that included possible punitive actions on the part of NYS Education Department and the NY City Department of Education.  Teachers, paraprofessionals, guidance counselors, and all other support staff members have worked tirelessly to increase graduation rates and attendance. Great bonds among parents, students, staff, administrators, and community members have produced results they are proud of.  

The announced retirement of principal Sam Sochet has led to great anxiety regarding the future of MVB HS.   With just a few days before the regular school year begins, the Department of Education has not announced new leadership.  Even worse, the NYC DOE has failed to consult with staff, parents, and students about the type of leadership that best fits the needs of this school community. 

Over the last few years, Queens high school principals have been completely mismatched with the school communities where they have been appointed.  This recent past history has destabilized school communities and has created distractions to the goal of improving education.  Some of these conflicts have become very public and viral, eroding the public confidence in our public schools.  

The Martin Van Buren High School community deserves a voice in the selection of their principal.  We are asking the NYC DOE to consult with the MVB HS community before a new principal is placed.