Nonprofits get behind mayoral control of New York City public schools
A group of nonprofits is supporting New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s request to extend mayoral control over city schools for three years. With Democrats in control of the state Senate and Assembly, it had been assumed that getting the extension would be relatively straightforward this year. However, some lawmakers, parents, and advocates are reluctant to grant de Blasio the extension, which allows him to have direct management over city public schools.
About three dozen organizations are pushing back on the mayor’s behalf in an open letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Signatories of the letter include Hispanic Federation, New York Immigration Coalition, FPWA, Good Shepherd Services, and Sheltering Arms Children and Family Services.