Twenty Catholic schools across the five boroughs are closing. Now, some elected officials want the city to scoop up their space for public school students.

“When I became aware that a number of Catholic schools in New York City were closing due to financial issues, I immediately contacted senior DOE officials," said City Councilman Mark Treyger, chair of the education committee. "I am told that conversations are underway between the DOE and the Archdiocese about utilizing that space.”

The city’s public schools face a space crunch; coronavirus precautions mean maximum class sizes will be cut by more than half. Most students will have to learn in school and at home on alternate days. 

Students in the most overcrowded schools may see the inside of a classroom just once a week.

Treyger and Councilman Ben Kallos have called on the city to explore leasing the soon-to-be vacant Catholic school space to help.

“This is the time for government to be stepping in and reopening these sites, whether as public schools in their own right or a distance learning center, or even for childcare," Kallos said.