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Read the press release here.

DOE Delays Vote on Controversial Brooklyn School Rezoning

 The proposed new zone lines for P.S. 8 and P.S. 307.
The proposed new zone lines for P.S. 8 and P.S. 307.
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DOE

BROOKLYN — The Department of Education is delaying a controversial vote that would rezone two Brooklyn schools.

The city is extending the timeline on a proposed rezoning that would redraw the lines for P.S. 8 in Brooklyn Heights and P.S. 307 in Vinegar Hill after parents and community leaders repeatedly complained that more time was needed to discuss the plan.

“Based on the feedback received to date, the DOE is proposing to extend the deadline to vote on the District 13 rezoning proposal to allow for more meaningful dialogue with impacted communities, and we'll ensure that families are supported throughout the enrollment process,” spokeswoman Devora Kaye said in a statement.

District 13's community education council was initially slated to vote on the proposal in November. A vote could now take place in December or January and if approved, the new zones will be implemented for the 2016-17 school year, the DOE said. 

Over the next month, the DOE is planning to host two small-group meetings with locals this month to discuss concerns with the rezoning, according to WNYC

The DOE presented a final draft of the plan last week but parents pushed back, blaming city education officials for failing to keep them informed. 

The contentious plan had also surfaced race and class issues between the segregated school communities. 

The proposed zones would primarily address P.S. 8's severe overcrowding while growing enrollment at P.S. 307, according to the DOE. The changes would affect students in Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Vinegar Hill and Concord Village.