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By: Hal C Clarke
Albany lawmakers are revisiting the question of whether to retain New York City’s control over its schools, particularly as the city faces challenges such as reduced class-size requirements and a surge in migrant children enrolling in classrooms. This issue is expected to be a key topic during Mayor Eric Adams’ visit to Albany for the State of the State address, the NY Post reported.
The Adams administration is also advocating for additional funding to address the migrant crisis, housing tax breaks, and measures against illegal smoke shops.
Despite budget cuts due to the escalating costs of the migrant crisis, Adams emphasizes the success of mayoral control, citing improved reading and math scores that surpass state averages. Mayoral control, which was extended for two years in 2021, is set to expire in June. While it appears unlikely that Albany will strip control from Adams and New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks, the duration of the extension remains uncertain.
Amid brutal budget cuts, the administration must make its case for an extension, considering the challenges posed by the influx of over 30,000 students due to the migrant crisis. Assembly Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto supports a longer extension, advocating for stability to allow the mayor and chancellor to implement their educational philosophy without disruptions.
Benedetto trusts the city’s management of schools, even as Adams implements significant budget cuts, leading to legal challenges from the state’s teachers union. The United Federation of Teachers criticizes Adams for having sole authority over the country’s largest school system and calls for the state to intervene.
The majority of asylum seekers in the city are families, with more than 30,000 enrolled in schools. The Department of Education (DOE) is working on reducing class sizes, a costly effort to meet legal requirements. The city must ensure 20% of classes meet size caps by the 2023-2024 school year, gradually increasing to 100% by 2027-2028. Presently, over 40% of classrooms comply.
A series of hearings across the boroughs will contribute to a report by the New York State Education Department, evaluating the merits of mayoral control. The report is due to be submitted to Governor Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature by March 31.
Mayoral control was first established in 2002 under Mayor Michael Bloomberg, dissolving the controversial School Board of Education. It grants the mayor authority over the Department of Education, including appointing the chancellor and selecting members of the Panel of Education Policy. Despite lapses during Bloomberg’s tenure and discussions under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, mayoral control remains a central point of debate in Albany.
Under Mayor Bloomberg, mayoral control faced lapses amid battles with the United Federation of Teachers. During Mayor de Blasio’s tenure, discussions on this control were recurrent during trips to Albany. Schools Chancellor David Banks underscores the necessity for a decisive leader accountable to the public. The ongoing debate will shape the educational landscape, determining the duration of mayoral control and its impact on the city’s schools and students.
