THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
May 12, 2022 - May 18, 2022 • 23
Education Adams: Hand the school reins over to me
By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff Mayoral control of New York City Public Schools ends on June 30 and Eric Adams is now making his case to keep it that way. The mayor of New York City wants Albany to continue a precedent set by former mayor Michael Bloomberg who was awarded mayoral control by the state legislature in 2002, which essentially ended the New York City Board of Education. This decision gave Bloomberg the power to choose a citywide schools chancellor and other powers, including appointments to the Panel for Educational Policy (a new version of the Board of Education). Adams wants that same power. He wants that same accountability. Before going to Albany to make his case, he attempted to make it to New York City residents. “The chancellor and I have laid out a bold new vision for our children and for the families that attend our public school system,” said Adams during a news conference at City Hall. “And this is the first time in history where we have two men who grew up in the public school system with two different experiences. One dealing with the learning disability, another dealing with a Gifted and Talented program…We grew up in this system, and we know what’s needed. And so this is an unprecedented moment for the two
of us in understanding the power of the public school system.” Chancellor David Banks chimed in as well. “We shouldn’t even have to be here today to have this conversation,” said Banks. “The reality is that the man and I are both products of the system, and we’ve dedicated our lives and our careers to the fabric of New York City. A man spent the bulk of his career in the police department and I was in the classrooms, educating young people. And I remember the system and the way it was, and it was a system…with political corruption. It is the reason why we went to mayoral accountability. The old system did not work.” Adams has the support of unions including DC37, 32BJ SEIU, the Hotel Trades Council and the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). Kyle Bragg, president of 32BJ SEIU, said that going back to a pre-2002 way of doing things would backfire and control of schools should be left with City Hall. “New York City’s 1.1 million school children should be above politics and our schools system should embrace clear accountability,” said Bragg, in a statement. “There is absolutely no doubt that extending mayoral control is to everyone’s benefit—students, teachers, and parents alike. Going back in time to a pre-mayoral control system would be a disaster. Our kids would lose out and our schools would be thrown into chaos.”
Unions stand behind Mayor Eric Adams on mayoral control of schools.
One of the (Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography) unions not listed is the United Federation of Teachers. When on August 15 for all members, so PEP contacted, a union spokesperson said the members can’t get tossed off the panel union is fine with Adams’ wishes, but they for voting their conscience and to ensure also want to make sure he’s kept in check. thoughtful transitions. Maintain a sunset “While we support mayoral control, provision to ensure accountability.” Adams also spoke about what public we have also repeatedly called for more checks and balances and greater parental schools can produce. “Public schools that are doing the right voice,” said UFT’s spokesperson. The UFT then directed us to a page on their web- thing produce chancellors, mayors, and site outlining how to improve the Panel union leaders and union employees,” the for Educational Policy: “Add two more mayor said. He also said that city kids are parent member seats filled by the presi- waiting to feel normal again. “After two years of trauma to our students of the Community Education Councils to replace two mayoral appointments. dents, uncertainty cannot be part of the Change to fixed one-year terms that begin curriculum,” said the mayor.
PUBLIC NOTICE Dated: Monday, May 9th 2022
DEMOCRACY PREP NEW YORK SCHOOL MEETING OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES Pursuant to Section 104 Public Notice of the Open Meetings Law, and pursuant to Executive Order 202.1, this notice is to inform the public that the board of trustees of Democracy Prep New York School will hold a remote meeting by teleconference on: May 17th, 2022 at 8:00 am., local time, + 1 646 558 8656, Meeting ID: 872 1204 8191, Password: 746010.
