SENATE ANNOUNCES HEARINGS ON MAYORAL CONTROL OF NEW YORK CITY SCHOOLS

          The New York State Senate today announced two public hearings to consider the extension of mayoral control of New York City schools, which is set to expire in June. The Senate Education Committee, Chaired by Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R, Syosset), will meet on May 4th in Albany and May 19th in New York City to examine the implementation of mayoral control since it was first enacted in 2002 and most recently extended for one year in 2015.

            Senator Marcellino said, “These hearings will provide an excellent opportunity to hear directly from Mayor de Blasio, Chancellor Fariña, and a variety of education professionals on the merits and pitfalls of mayoral control. Without a detailed and thoughtful exchange, it is difficult to craft an extension that is in the best interests of New York City’s students and teachers. I look forward to gathering testimony on the current state of the Mayor’s education policy, where it is and its future.”

            Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan said, “Mayoral control hearings are necessary to provide transparency, accountability, and a better understanding of the long-term vision for educating all of New York City’s students. Senator Marcellino and the members of the education committee will seek information about what is being done to fix underperforming schools and other specific plans to improve and strengthen the city school system so that the state’s examination of mayoral control is as comprehensive as possible.”

            Mayoral control was renewed by the Executive and the Legislature in 2009 for a six-year extension after the Legislature held five hearings with more than 45 hours of testimony. Last year, mayoral control was extended for one year and is set to expire on June 30, 2016.         

            Topics to be considered at the hearings include but are not limited to: New York City’s record of student performance, graduation rates, levels of college and career readiness; the effectiveness of having a single person accountable for the public school system as compared to the previous community board system; the implementation and performance of the pre-K system; coordination and cooperation with other public schools and private schools; and identifying educational issues in need of improvement. The hearing details are currently being finalized and once complete, the Committee will extend invitations to provide testimony.

            Mayoral control of the New York City school system was initially established in 2002. Under mayor control, the school system is governed by the city-wide Panel for Educational Policy, made up of 13 members and the Chancellor of Education. The Mayor controls the panel by being able to appoint the majority (eight, plus the Chancellor) of the panel members, with the five additional members being appointed by borough presidents.

            The panel has the authority to: approve standards, policies, and regulations proposed by the Chancellor; act as the government or public employer of all people appointed to or assigned by the city board or community districts; serve as the appeal board; maintain jurisdiction over city-wide educational policy; approve contracts; and approve litigation settlements.