Senator Addabbo's Mayoral Control Town Hall in Middle Village

NEW YORK STATE SENATOR
JOSEPH P. ADDABBO JR.
(D) 15TH SENATE DISTRICT

District Office 159-53 102nd Street Howard Beach, NY 11414

For Immediate Release: May 22, 2009
Patricia McCabe| nyssenatepmc@aol.com |  (718) 738-1111 (w)

SENATOR JOSEPH P. ADDABBO JR. HEARS PUBLIC OPINION FROM PARENTS AND TEACHERS ON WHETHER TO RENEW AUTHORITY FOR MAYORAL CONTROL OF NEW YORK CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

**PRESS RELEASE**

(New York, NY)- Thursday, Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. let constituents have their say in the matter over whether the New York City Public School System should be governed by mayoral control during a town hall he hosted in Middle Village.

The New York State Legislature will vote on whether to renew school governance authority given to Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. Senator Addabbo visited constituents to hear their views on mayoral control so when he votes on it, he can vote with their issues on his mind.

“I believe that with an issue as important to our children, parents, teachers and principals, as mayoral control is, the importance of input like that of the town hall meeting cannot be underestimated,” said Senator Addabbo, a member of the Senate Education Committee. “The state legislature has the opportunity of improving on the public school system for the 1.1 million children in our city.”

Under the current law, passed in 2002, the New York City Board of Education was replaced by the 13-member Panel for Educational Policy, to which the mayor appoints 8 of the 13 members. The law grants the mayor powers to reorganize the schools and appoint a chancellor to run them.

The current law authorizing mayor control is set to expire June 30.

Senator Addabbo listened to public opinion during the two-hour town hall meeting at Our Lady of Hope School in Middle Village. Attendees spoke on a first-come first-served basis and given three minutes to speak. Most of the individuals who spoke suggested more input for parents involving school related matters, an improved Department of Education structure to address complaints, and stricter guidelines for the department’s budget. 

The mayor’s office was represented by Deputy Mayor Dennis Wolcott.

“I appreciate that Deputy Mayor Dennis Wolcott was able to be present and hear the concerns of the teachers and parents that spoke out at the town hall,” said Senator Addabbo.

Constituent opinions will help the Senator form his opinion on how to vote and how to debate the topic on the Senate floor. Constituents may continue to voice their opinion by contacting the Senator.

“I think it is imperative that parents, teachers and principals speak out to the state legislature and have a say in playing an important part while we decide on the issue of mayoral control,” said Senator Addabbo.

Approximately 85 people attended Thursday’s town hall meeting.

City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, and representatives for Senator Shirley L. Huntley, Senator Cathy Nolan and City Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum also attended the town hall.

Gary Giordano, Community Board No. 5 District Manager served as moderator.