The principal of PS 372, an elementary school located near Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal, has told parents she is sometimes too busy to relay critical information about toxic air quality within the school.
Principal Rosa Amato, who has led the school since 2015, made the statement during a virtual town hall meeting Monday night. The meeting was attended by approximately 80 parents and community members who voiced concerns about the air safety at the school's annex at 219 First Street.
Parents questioned why it took an extended period for letters from the Department of Environmental Conservation regarding the school's air quality to reach them. One parent specifically referenced a February letter that was not distributed until over a week after it was received by the school.
"Yes, one week seems like a long time. But sometimes I am way too busy and miss things," Amato responded, according to reports.
Mitigation efforts at the annex, which houses pre-K and kindergarten classrooms, began in 2024 after testing revealed elevated levels of toxic chemicals, including benzene and xylene. State agencies assert that these dangerous chemicals have been reduced to normal indoor levels, but parents and some experts remain unconvinced and are advocating for the removal of contaminated soil beneath the building.
Parents described receiving important information during holidays or breaks, often weeks after the school was notified, making it difficult to stay informed. Some parents expressed that Amato has a history of dismissing their concerns, creating a tone that is perceived as dismissive rather than supportive.
Online testimonials suggest a pattern of deflection when difficult conversations arise. One parent noted that the principal sets the tone for how concerns are handled, and it has repeatedly been characterized as dismissive.
In response to the ongoing issues, at least six parents have stated they are withdrawing their children from the school, which has approximately 450 students. Eight others indicated they are considering the same. Claire Graves, who is removing her kindergartener, cited the lack of a clear timeline for mitigation as a primary reason for her decision, questioning the ability to keep her youngest child enrolled if health issues arise from the vapors.
The Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health have stated they are working to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. The DEC indicated that additional ventilation systems will be installed before the start of the academic year. The Department of Education and Principal Amato did not respond to requests for comment.