On Friday, September 6th, in an exclusive interview with the Voice Newspapers, Mayor Eric Adams spoke about the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Adams expressed his excitement about the smooth opening of schools across New York City. “This is one of the smoothest opening days we’ve had,” he said, emphasizing that there were no major issues with bus routing or school supplies. He credited the successful opening to extensive planning over the summer. “Proper coordination during the summer months made sure that we were ready for opening day,” Adams noted.
Introduction of New OMNY MetroCards for Students
Mayor Adams also highlighted the introduction of the new OMNY cards for students, which provide 24/7 access to the city’s transportation system, allowing students to travel anytime throughout the year. “This is a huge step forward for allowing children to understand the full scope of the city,” Adams said, comparing the new cards to the limited-use bus and train passes of the past. The OMNY cards are valid 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and include up to four free rides a day. Adams emphasized that the change responds to the needs of students who require transportation for after-school activities and weekend events. “We heard them. We responded to their needs,” he added.
Opening of 24 New School Buildings
Mayor Adams shared the great news of the opening of 24 new school buildings, which adds over 11,000 seats, marking the most K-12 seats added in two decades. “These new schools will play a role in preparing our children for tomorrow,” Adams said, emphasizing the importance of modern facilities like science labs, music rooms, and special education classrooms. The mayor shared his excitement about the future impact of these schools, stating, “This is really an exciting moment for us. The 24 new schools, the most K-12 seats we have added since 2003, will serve as a crucial resource for our children.”
Expansion of Open Streets Program Around Schools
Adams also discussed the expansion of the Open Streets program, with 71 new open streets being added around schools to enhance student safety during pickups and drop-offs. “Keeping our children and families safe is at the top of my agenda,” the mayor emphasized. He described the open streets as an “extended schoolyard” that gives children more space to play and enjoy the outdoors during the school day. The program has been widely praised for creating a safer and more welcoming environment for students and their families.
The 10-Point Early Childhood Plan
Towards the end of the interview, Mayor Adams discussed the city’s 10-point plan for early childhood education, an initiative aimed at expanding opportunities for young children and addressing the needs of special education students. Adams commended former Mayor Bill de Blasio for initiating the early childhood program and expressed his commitment to furthering its success. “We grabbed the baton, and we’re going to take it to the next level,” Adams said. The mayor detailed the expansion of 1,500 additional 3K seats in high-need districts and the city’s $122 million investment in special education, which includes $67 million in baseline funding. “When we say that we’re going to have early childhood education, we’re not leaving out our special education children,” Adams stated.
Mayor Adams wrapped up the interview by expressing his optimism for the upcoming school year. “This is going to be an exciting school year for the kids inside and outside of school,” he said.
