March 13, 2017 By Hannah Wulkan
Local officials have secured a permanent space for students at PS 255Q, allowing for the removal of the trailers that had served as space for the school in the playground of PS 151 in Woodside.
Councilman Costa Constantinides announced this morning that the 11 trailers used as temporary school space in the PS 151 playground would be removed, and PS Q255 would be re-sited permanently to the same building as 397Q, the former Most Precious Blood Catholic School at 32-52 37th Street.
PS 255Q serves autistic children between the ages of 5 and 17, and though the trailers were instituted as a temporary solution to overcrowding in schools, PS 255Q has resided in them for over a decade in the playground of PS 151.
“Our students require permanent educational space that’s indoors, rather than in temporary units or trailers. All children should have adequate recreational and playground space. I am proud that this plan will improve the learning conditions for 255Q students and better utilize space at 397Q and the PS 151 playground,” Constantinides said.
The Panel for Education Policy is slated to vote on the re-siting of PS Q255 at its meeting next month, which would allow for 100 students to move in to the Q397 building, which currently only holds a Pre-K program.
“Today marks a great moment for both the PS 151 community and the students of PS 255Q. By removing the Transportable Classroom Units (TCUs), we will be able to bring new and needed play space online for the students at PS. 151 to enjoy as well as ensuring that the students of PS Q255 have a new permanent home that meets their needs” said Lorraine Grillo, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York City School Construction Authority.
Provided the re-siting is approved next month, the trailers would be removed after the current school year ends and PS 255Q would move to its new home at the beginning of the next school year in September.