You are reading

Koslowitz Calls For the DOE to Intervene at Forest Hills High School, Follows Reports of Principal’s Indifferent Attitude Toward Drug Use

Forest Hills High School at 67-01 110th Street
(Photo: InsideSchools)

Feb. 26, 2019 By Meghan Sackman

Council Member Karen Koslowitz is calling on the Department of Education to intervene at Forest Hills High School following a series of allegations that the principal is failing to punish students who smoke pot at school.

Koslowitz, whose two daughters graduated from the school, issued a statement Tuesday saying that she was “stunned and dismayed” when she read a New York Post article that outlined the allegations.

“I have lived in my neighborhood for 56 years, and I can tell you FHHS has enjoyed a reputation for being a highly desirable school,” she said. “I can tell you that what I read in the newspaper is nothing like the fine school that I have experienced.”

The NY Post article contained statements from teachers saying that the current principal, Ben Sherman, has taken a hands off approach to students smoking pot on school property. “It’s going to be legal soon, What can we do?” Sherman reportedly told teachers when he explained why he was not disciplining pot-smoking students.

The article states that teachers from the high school, which has about 3,800 students and received the “National Blue Ribbon” award for excellence in 2000, are concerned that the school is going downhill because of the principal’s policies.

Teachers have questioned several policies adopted by Sherman, who joined the school in 2017. For instance, he opened the student restrooms at all times, and removed bathroom aides who signed students in and out. Troublesome students would then smoke pot and vape in the bathroom.

Mayor de Blasio was asked about the situation at a press event on Sunday in Iowa. In response he said he was not aware of the details but called the situation “unacceptable.”

“If something like that is happening there will be serious consequences for those involved,” De Blasio said.

Koslowitz did not weigh in on Sherman’s actions in her statement. “I am not rushing to a judgement based on a newspaper article,” she said.

However, she called on the DOE to step in and investigate.

“I am asking that the DOE immediately intervene at FHHS to ensure that all laws, rules, regulations and policies are being adhered to,” Koslowitz said. “With the necessary corrections in place, FHHS will continue to enjoy the excellent reputation that it has deservedly maintained through the years.”

email the author: news@queenspost.com

7 Comments

Click for Comments 
Concerned parent

I’d rather have my children learn about weed on the street, from drug dealers, like a normal child

3
1
Reply
Anonymous

The education is still great, the school atmosphere just sucks. As a student in the school,I don’t smoke and Im passing my classes. We just get use to the smell

1
5
Reply
K Moore

Police officer told me it was a special unit that visits all NYC schools once a year to search for weapons in bags. The timing was just a coincidence.

1
5
Reply
Datica

One time thing related to the shooting that occurred in the vicinity (not FHHS students) a day prior.

Reply
Queens resident

Why does Koslowitz want a 30 story jail in Kew Gardens? That’s what I think of everytime I hear her name.

11
Reply

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Advocates urge passage of New York for All Act as Assembly session nears end

Jun. 16, 2025 By Jimmy Robles

As the State Senate concluded its legislative session on Thursday, immigrant rights advocates renewed calls for lawmakers to pass the New York for All Act before the Assembly adjourns on Tuesday, June 17. The proposed legislation, along with several other immigration-related bills, remains pending as the clock winds down on this year’s session.

Queens gun buyback takes 74 firearms off streets, including ghost guns and assault weapons: DA

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Monday that 74 firearms were taken off the streets at the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York in Jamaica during a gun buyback event on Saturday, June 14. The weapons were exchanged for bank cards pre-loaded with cash, with no identification required and no questions asked.

“Gun buybacks serve as a critical tool for reducing gun violence and promoting public safety within our communities,” Katz said. “This Saturday, working with the NYPD and clergy leaders in Jamaica, we received 74 surrendered guns — including five automatic weapons. As a result, these firearms will not be used to cause heartache and tragedy.”

Queens Distance Runners hosts second annual track meet at St. John’s University, spotlighting Olympian and local talent

Jun. 16, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

Dozens of runners gathered at the DaSilva Field Track in St. John’s University for the second annual track meet last month. Hosted by Queens Distance Runners (QDR), a grassroots running organization, the sporting competition welcomed sprinters and distance runners of all skill levels to test their abilities, vying for the podium in track events from 100 meters to 5,000 meters.

Elmhurst bus stop tragedy: Senior killed in freak accident involving Q52 on Friday the 13th

A Middle Village senior was struck and killed by an MTA bus in what officials say was a freak accident at a bus stop in front of Hoffman Park in Elmhurst on Friday the 13th.

Police from the 110th Precinct in Elmhurst responded to a 911 call of a vehicle accident at the intersection of Hoffman Drive and Woodhaven Boulevard just before 2 p.m., where they found the victim lying on the roadway after he was struck by an MTA Q52 bus. EMS responded to the scene of the collision and rushed the senior to Elmhurst Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead a short while later.