The Panel for Educational Policy has made a final decision on the future of some two dozen struggling public schools in Brooklyn.

Although it wasn't unanimous each time, the panel approved to phase out or close eight Brooklyn schools, including P.S. 019 Roberto Clemente, General D. Chappie James Elementary School of Science, International Arts Business School, Satellite 3, Middle School for the Arts, J.H.S. 296, P.S. 22 and the Academy of Business and Community Development.

The eight Brooklyn schools on the chopping block had all been identified as having consistently poor attendance and performance records. The panel also voted to either merge or truncate 18 other schools in the borough.

Hundreds of angry parents, teachers and students turned out in Fort Greene to protest the vote during a four-hour hearing. They also criticized the Department of Education (DOE) and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The DOE says the changes the panel had voted for will go into effect beginning next school year, and it will take anywhere between two and five years to implement them.

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