Sweeping application changes for NYC specialized high schools, middle schools Updated Dec 18, 2020; Posted Dec 18, 2020 In this file photo, taken before the coronavirus pandemic, students at Staten Island Technical High in New Dorp work with clay in the school's MakerSpace. (Staten Island Advance/Annalise Knudson)Staten Island Advance/Annalise Knudson Facebook Share STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Sweeping changes to New York City’s specialized high school and competitive middle school application process were announced Friday by Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and vocal critics calling for more diversity in the city’s most esteemed schools.