Parents, students tell Community Board 2: Restore performing arts at 75 Morton and boost outreach

Parents, students and school leaders urged Manhattan Community Board 2Education Committee on Wednesday to help restore performing-arts programming at 75 Morton Middle School and to support outreach to boost enrollment.

"My name is Yodit Walker. I have 2 kids ... and I'm here to tell you why Morton is so special," said Yodit Walker, a parent, who described the school's "diversity, our rigorous academics, dedication to social emotional learning, opportunity for creative exploration" and what she called "amazing teachers." Walker highlighted continuity between daytime teachers and after-school supports that helped her daughter prepare a portfolio for LaGuardia High School.

The request came as part of a longer presentation from parents and students who described Morton as a zoned West Side middle school that offers general-education and accelerated classes, multiple ICT and special-education configurations including 12:1+1 classes, and services for students with 504 plans and English-language learners. "No matter what their academic level or learning level or needs are, every student in New York City has a place at 75 Morton," said Robin (last name not provided), a parent presenter.

A student in the school's accelerator program told the committee, "I have ADHD and a 504, and Morton has always made me feel really comfortable and accepted," calling out portfolio-prep and in-school supports she said helped her gain admission to LaGuardia.

Parents said the school previously had a DOE-funded performing-arts teacher but that staffing ended when enrollment fell; outside providers such as WaterWell later ran performing programs funded by grants or donors. Jenny Young, a parent organizing under a campaign called "We Love Morton," asked the board to help "uplift the performing arts" and to publicize Mortonas a neighborhood option for middle-school families.

Committee members and a representative of Council Member Eric Botcher said they have circulated a school video to local principals and PTA leaders. Nicole, the West Village liaison for Council Member Eric Botcher, said the video was shared with local elementary schools and PTA presidents to help recruitment.

Community Education Council representatives attending the meeting described the CECs' role and the process families should use to request program changes. "We are an advisory body, but we... have opportunities through the Community Education Council to... advocate for things," said Gavin Healy, a District 2 CEC member. Erin Carr, a newly elected District 2 CEC member, urged parents to engage: "My goal is to be an advocate for students first and families," she said.

Presenters also discussed other program requests under preliminary consideration, including an ASD Nest program for students on the autism spectrum and a dual-language program. School staff and CEC members said program approvals and funding come from central DOE offices: the special-education office oversees ASD Nest admissions and funding, while dual-language programs typically require balanced enrollment (roughly 50/50 students who are English-language learners and native English speakers) and sufficient class sections to support bilingual teachers.

On enrollment, presenters said overall enrollment remains below the school's early years but is rising: tours and open houses this fall sold out and the principal has added dates. The presenters said the school complies with DOE class-size reduction rules, and that "there is no class at 75 Morton that has more than 23 students in it." They also said that, among students who came up through the DOE elementary schools, no single feeder represents more than 12% of the student body.

Committee members moved into business session after the presentation and agreed to draft a resolution supporting restoration of performing-arts programming and to explore advocacy steps with elected officials and potential vendors or donors. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded to close the meeting.

The presenters requested specific supports: restoration of integrated performing-arts instruction or after-school arts vendors, expansion of accelerated ICT offerings for students with IEPs, and active publicity to attract families into Mortonincluding through parent-to-parent outreach and district channels. CEC members and liaisons advised that some items (capital projects, staff positions) fall under elected officials' or DOE central authority and that parent fundraising or outside grants are common ways to bring immediate programming back while district approvals are pursued.

The Education Committee said it would draft language supporting arts programming and follow up with the school and district representatives about next steps.