After 25 successful years, the PS87 Dual Language Program is in jeopardy of being dismantled. 

The dual language program at PS87 plays an important role in District 3’s bilingual education system, which also includes successful programs at PS75, PS84, PS163 and PS165.  Through its open enrollment policy, the PS87 program’s alumni have come from all over District 3, bringing together students from many different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.  The District 3 dual language programs jointly prepare our students and our community for a global society.

District-wide budget cuts are having a disproportionate impact on the teachers of the PS87 Dual Language Program.  The result is a deficit of teachers certified to teach within its curriculum.  Without the funding to fill vacated positions or some means of not excessing DL certified teachers, the PS87 program is in jeopardy. This fall,  PS87 will lose 4 dual language teachers who cannot be replaced without more school funding.  

This matter requires urgent attention - we do not have much time. 

By signing this petition, you will join a collective voice that:

- Wants to see the PS87 program succeed and continue to serve as a positive model of bilingual education;

- Wants to expand DL programs across District 3, with a greater diversity of languages;

- Believes that bilingual education should begin at an early age, when children have a linguistic advantage, well before the existing middle and high school requirements;

- Wants to see DL programs continue beyond elementary school, into middle and high school;

- Wants to see district-wide dual language programs treated the same way G&T programs are, with base-line funding instead of discretionary budgets.

Please help show support for bilingual education in our schools!