| Those who are opposed to mayoral control in New York City just received good news today.
The Better Schools Act has been introduced in the Assembly and Senate. Jimmy Vielkind has more on the story:
The measure, called the "Better Schools Act," would remove the mayor's ability to appoint the majority of the Panel for Educational Policy, considered a central issue on school control, as well as allowing the New York City Independent Budget Office to audit and evaluate the "financial investments and academic achievement" in public schools. It also would train parents and students to be more involved.
Assemblyman Carl Heastie, who is also the Bronx County Democratic chairman, is carrying the bill. Its co-sponsors include Linda Rosenthal, Jeff Aubry, Bill Boyland, Nelson Castro, Vivian Cook, Deborah Glick, Janele Hyer-Spencer, Hakeem Jeffries, David Koon, Grace Meng, Nick Perry, Linda Rosenthal, Matt Titone, Keith Wright (a contender to be the Manhattan Democratic chairman) and Inez Barron.
On the Senate side, Sen. Kevin Parker is sponsoring the bill and has seven co-sponsors already.
As Jimmy points out, leaders in both houses have been supportive of mayoral control, but would like to see more oversight and allow for more parental involvement. Currently, that is not the case. |
