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Jersey City Mayor Blasts Decision To Close Special Needs School

UPDATE: NJCU said it plans to keep the school open, News 4 New York reported Friday evening. The details were not immediately known. 

The A. Harry Moore School is slated to close next June

The A. Harry Moore School is slated to close next June

Photo Credit: Google

Original story is below. 

Jersey City's mayor is calling on New Jersey City University to reconsider its decision to shutter the A. Harry Moore School, which has served disabled children and adults for decades. 

"We strongly urge President Sue Henderson and the NJCU board to reconsider their position on the A. Harry Moore School, which provides critical educational services to children with special needs. If NJCU follows through on their letter to abandon children with special needs, it will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the University’s relationship with Jersey City and our administration’s willingness to work with NJCU in the future on any front.," Mayor Steve Fulop said in a statement Friday. 

The university operates the school in coordination with the Jersey City Board of Education. Earlier this week parents and caregivers received letters announcing the school would close June 30 after nearly 60 years, NJ.com reported. 

The announcement comes the same week the school was forced to close temporarily after a partial roof collapse at the Kennedy Boulevard building. No one was hurt. 

Fulop blasted the university for what he said was its misguided priorities. 

"It is appalling that at the same time NJCU has prioritized market rate housing, expansion plans, and a theater operation for a New York City ballet company, they would somehow think it is acceptable to turn their back on some of the most vulnerable children. This is unacceptable, and in the strongest way we urge NJCU to reconsider this decision and correct it publicly."

Daily Voice has contacted NJCU for comment and will update this story with any additional information. 

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