The 2002 state law that gave New York City’s mayor control over its schools should be renewed, but only with additional checks on the mayor’s power and more opportunity for parent input, a commission said in a report issued last week.
The panel was appointed by Betsy Gotbaum, New York City’s public advocate. Its conclusions were based on parent forums and public hearings, interviews with more than 50 stakeholders, and research papers from experts.
Findings and recommendations on mayoral control of the 1.1 million-student school system are expected this year from other task forces, including those of the City Council and unions representing city teachers and administrators. The law is set to expire in 2009 if not renewed by the state legislature.
