decade, even in 1998 Jamaica High School had an on-time graduation rate of over 75 percent. However, graduation rates as well as enrollment declined rapidly into the 2000s. Crime and safety issues also began to afflict the school. In August 2007, Jamaica High School was added to New York State Education Department's list of "persistently dangerous" schools, after a 50 percent increase in violent crime through January of that year. It had already been labeled a "priority" school and later an "impact" school by the New York City government. In response, regular metal detector screenings were instituted, along with increased NYPD police presence, and a zero-tolerance discipline policy. In late 2007, it was discovered that an assistant principal prevented school deans from calling 911 in an emergency in order to lower the school's crime and disturbance incidence. A similar memo was later issued requiring several preliminary steps before calling 911. The assistant principal and the school principal were later reassigned. Under the provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act, students were allowed to transfer from the school, which may have led to a decrease in enrollment. This in turn led to teacher layoffs and a decrease in funding. In August 2008, Jamaica High School was removed from the "persistently dangerous" list. In 2009, the current building earned designation as a New York City landmark, with a ceremony held June 17. However, that year the New York City Department of Education made plans to close the school, citing a graduation rate that "has stagnated below 50% for years," low performance grades, low attendance rates, decreasing enrollment, and safety issues. This decision was challenged in court, and protested by the local community and alumni. In Fall 2010, co-located small high schools began operating within the building. By 2011 the Board of Education began to phase out Jamaica High School, no longer accepting new students. During this time resources such as new textbooks were at a premium, while the school ceased offering advanced courses. The Department of Education was accused of starving the school of funds and resources, while giving preference to the new co-located schools. This included backlash from state senator Tony Avella. Jamaica High School closed permanently in June 2014, graduating its final class of only 24 students. The building, now officially the Jamaica Educational Campus, remains in use and houses smaller public high schools that share facilities and sports