Klein vows to fix or nix wild school


Schools Chancellor Joel Klein yesterday vowed to shape up or shut down a Harlem middle school that is too dangerous for a teachers group that tries to help urban schools turn around.
The schools chief said officials would do their best to improve safety at Intermediate School 172, where one instructor from Teach for America was threatened and another assaulted last year.

"I believe we will improve that school," Klein said at a banquet for the group. "But if we don't, make no mistake about it, we'll close it down."

His comments followed an exclusive Daily News story on how Teach for America pulled its teachers out of the school - believed to be a first for the group.

A Teach for America official said the group hopes to return to the school, but only if it's safe.

"We need to create a more nurturing environment," said Iris Chen, head of the group's New York branch.

The group has teachers in more than 1,000 rough schools nationwide.

"The worst part is students are still going there," said a Teach for America member who once taught at IS 172. "I think about those children all the time."


David Saltonstall and Kathleen Lucadamo


Originally published on March 7, 2006