Letter to Chancellor Rhee recommending Bedford Academy

Dear Chancellor Rhee,

The Coolidge community voted unanimously on Monday night to recommend Bedford Academy as the partner that would best support the children of Coolidge SHS.

Bedford’s willingness to be on site, their commitment to creating a culture and climate that supports learning as well as their willingness to work closely with the feeder schools impressed the Coolidge Community. This climate change has been cited as the most pressing need at the school. Along with a focus on discipline and nurture, Bedford had an inclusive and committed approach to communication and a 90% pass rate on the New York City Regents Exam.

They are educators who will provide a structure of support and accountability for the staff at Coolidge. They inspired all those present at the meeting, lighting a fire of hope and belief in the students, staff and parents. Coolidge carefully considered another partner and remained convinced that Bedford was the strongest choice and would bring immediate improvement to every aspect of the school.

We feel confident that the presence of Bedford at Coolidge will also mean that many of the neighborhood high school students attending other schools will once again return to Coolidge.

We the undersigned support the choice of Bedford Academy as the restructuring partner for Coolidge SHS.