Parents and PTO leaders urge Paterson board to fight $7.9M cut to full‑service community schools

Districtwide PTO leaders and parent advocates used the board’s Jan. 7 public‑comment period to press the Paterson Board of Education to oppose a proposed reduction in federal funding for full‑service community schools.

Nadirah Patterson, who identified herself as districtwide PTO secretary, and Wendy Wilson, districtwide PTO vice president, presented a petition opposing the funding cuts and urged ongoing monthly collaboration between PTO leadership and district officials. Wilson read the petition and said the services — including academic support, health and behavioral‑health services, after‑school programs and family engagement — are "not optional" and are fundamental supports for students who rely on them.

Parent advocates said they would continue outreach, circulate the petition in the school foyer and encourage parents to sign. Casey Melvin, a longtime parent‑advocate, told the board the community turnout and election numbers showed strong support for education and said the loss of the full‑service program funding (he cited a figure of $7,900,000) would be ‘‘not a drop in the bucket’’ and would significantly harm after‑school and behavioral health programs used by students.

Superintendent and district staff were asked to remain engaged with PTO leaders; the board president asked staff to place PTO dates on the board’s shared calendar so members can attend and coordinate. The board did not take an immediate vote on the funding matter during the meeting; PTO leaders said they will continue to press elected officials and pursue partnership strategies.

What’s next: PTO leaders invited board members to regular meetings and encouraged parents to use a QR code to sign the petition; the district said staff would follow up on scheduling and communication.