State Senate Democrats Review School System; Evaluating Mayoral Control
By MICHELLE FRIEDMAN

The State Senate Democratic Conference has established the New York City School Governance Task Force to evaluate the effectiveness of mayoral control over city schools.

MALCOLM A. SMITH: Taking a closer look.

The nine-member task force will hold its first hearing next month in Manhattan and will be co-chaired by Sens. Martin Malave Dilan (D-Brooklyn), Shirley Huntley (D-Queens), and Martin Connor (D-Manhattan/Brooklyn).

Control Up for Renewal

Mayor Bloomberg in 2002 was granted authority over the school system when state officials approved a law consolidating virtually all administrative and personnel powers in the Office of the Schools Chancellor, and placing that office under direct mayoral control. The law comes up for renewal next year, when it expires June 30.

Prior to that time, the school system was governed by a seven-member Board of Education, including one representative from each borough, and two mayoral appointees. The board was responsible for selecting the Chancellor, establishing policies, and submitting the budget.

"We are approaching these hearings with an open mind without prejudging the current system," said Senator Dilan. "However, we are concerned that parents of schoolchildren and the public have no meaningful way to influence the process."

CHRISTINE QUINN: Mayoral control has worked.

Education advocacy groups have argued that while the Department of Education has developed a number of parent outreach initiatives, it is ultimately free to reject or accept any input they receive.

"Virtually all authority has been consolidated in the Chancellor's Office so the citizens have very little opportunity to get heard or provide input," said Senator Huntley. "The current governance system provides no legal or democratic avenue for parents to enact changes in district operations against the will of the Chancellor."

Quinn: Accountable Now

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn - who is expected to run for Mayor next year - has urged constituents to increase the scope and impact of mayoral responsibility, calling the old system a "mire of bureaucracy with a pass-the-buck mentality that got in the way of change and process."

Mayoral control, she said, has led to "real accountability" and results, such as "better test scores, higher graduation rates and stronger schools."

"As this law sunsets next year, it is time to review the changes made [six] years ago to the NYC School Board," said Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith. "The changes were dramatic at the time with the hopes of creating dramatic change in the educational system ... The conclusions of the report could result in new legislation next year."

"We welcome any discussion as it pertains to mayoral control," responded City Hall spokeswoman Dawn Walker. "In the last six years, we've seen graduation rates increase, test scores rise dramatically, more accountability by educators, and safer schools. While we should not be complacent in our growth, we understand the challenges faced, and welcome working with any advocate who wishes, like us, to provide a solid educational foundation for our 1.1 million children."