Jillian Jorgensen

Education Reporter at Spectrum News NY1

Emmy-nominated education reporter at NY1. NYC public schools graduate. Former newspaperwoman. Fan of pizza and pasta. [email protected]

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Articles

Advocates say state budget may still shortchange city schools

1 week ago | ny1.com | Jillian Jorgensen

For months, advocates have been sounding the alarm about proposed changes from Gov. Kathy Hochul to the state’s foundation aid formula, which hands out per-student funding to school districts. “This update misses the mark and just makes the situation worse,” Randi Levine, policy director for Advocates for Children, said.
Advocates urge Albany to slow reckless drivers

2 weeks ago | ny1.com | Jillian Jorgensen

Some members of the City Council are asking Albany to crack down on so-called "super speeders" by using technology to force them to slow down. Advocates and family members of people killed in traffic crashes rallied outside City Hall on Monday, where a committee held a hearing on a resolution urging Albany to pass the bill.
Regis High School students to attend funeral of Pope Francis

3 weeks ago | ny1.com | Jillian Jorgensen

At Regis High School, and among Jesuits worldwide, there’s a motto that defines the worldview of students. “We usually abbreviate it to AMDG, or Ad majórem Dei glóriam, excuse my Latin,” Philip Liew, 17, a junior at Regis, said. “And it really means to do everything for the glory of God.
Adams to add money for special education pre-K and expanded 3-K seats to budget

4 weeks ago | ny1.com | Jillian Jorgensen

Mayor Eric Adams will announce plans Wednesday to include $167 million for special education pre-school seats and expanded 3-K seats in his proposed executive budget. It's money the administration says will be baselined into the budget for the future and is promising to keep the city's Head Start seats open — even if there's a change in federal funding for the program.
NYPD launches new unit focused on quality-of-life concerns

1 month ago | ny1.com | Jillian Jorgensen

The NYPD on Monday officially launched a new division focused on tackling quality-of-life issues. Mayor Eric Adams says the Quality of Life Division will work to make the city feel safer.
Revisiting a Brooklyn middle school five years after the pandemic hit

1 month ago | ny1.com | Jillian Jorgensen

Five years after the pandemic shut it down, M.S. 88, a middle school in Park Slope, is filled with students having fun. They’re building mechanical hands out of cardboard. They’re practicing for their upcoming performance of "Beauty and the Beast," and playing in rock and roll bands. “I think it took a good two years to stabilize,” school principal Ailene Altman-Mitchell said.
Generations of Altadena family devastated by Eaton Fire

Jan 12, 2025 | spectrumnews1.com | Jillian Jorgensen

ALTADENA, Calif. — Altadena is a community in which many extended households have made their home for decades. With the Eaton Fire ravaging everything in its path in the area, generations of homes have been wiped out“To imagine the life you build, and to see it reduced to this,” Eshele Williams said, walking beside what was once her home in Altadena.
How one school wants to help Spanish speakers learn in their native language

Nov 12, 2024 | ny1.com | Jillian Jorgensen

Over the last two years, public schools have welcomed thousands of children who speak little or no English — many of whom wind up in classes where little or no instruction is done in their native language. At one school on the Lower East Side, a new program is being launched to help them learn English while also learning in their native Spanish.
Melissa Aviles-Ramos takes over as schools chancellor

Oct 16, 2024 | ny1.com | Jillian Jorgensen

The headlines about city schools for the last few weeks have been centered on investigations into adults. But on Wednesday, new Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos spent some time talking with kids. “It feels great. And that’s where I feel most at home,” she said. Aviles-Ramos takes on the job at a time of instability. Her boss, Mayor Eric Adams, is under indictment. Her predecessor, David Banks, announced his retirement after the FBI seized his phone.
David Banks departs as New York City schools chancellor

Oct 15, 2024 | ny1.com | Jillian Jorgensen

Less than three years after the mayor touted him as a visionary leader of the public school system, Schools Chancellor David Banks made his quiet exit Tuesday. Banks' departure comes as the Adams administration has been roiled by investigations — and the mayor himself has been indicted. Banks has not been accused of a crime, but he, his two brothers and his wife all had their cell phones seized by the FBI last month.