MIKE TOUTS HIS ED.-REFORM SUCCESS WITH RANDI AT HIS SIDE

On the day after the UFT files suit against the DOE for ignoring input from CECs re zoning, Bloomberg w/ Randi at his side in Albany says he believes they can work together to retain Mayoral control.

CONTROLLED PRAISE: MIKE TOUTS HIS ED.-REFORM SUCCESS

http://www.nypost.com/seven/03262009/news/regionalnews/controlled_praise_161389.htm
By BRENDAN SCOTT in Albany and CARL CAMPANILE in NY

March 26, 2009

Mayor Bloomberg said yesterday that under his administration, the city has "changed public education as we know it" -- and predicted a deal will be reached with state lawmakers to renew mayoral control of the schools.

Bloomberg made the bold declaration with United Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten by his side at an event in the Capitol. The duo jointly lobbied Gov. Paterson and state legislative leaders to make sure the city gets its appropriate share of education funding.

The joint appearance came on the same day The Post published comments by Schools Chancellor Joel Klein slamming Weingarten and the teachers union for a plan that would loosen mayoral control over educational policy.

The state law that granted City Hall authority over the schools expires on June 30.

Both Bloomberg and Weingarten clearly tried to defuse tension over the issue yesterday, stressing how they have worked together to improve education.

"The agreements that we've reached together on lots of things are some of the most creative agreements that have been reached in education throughout the country," Weingarten gushed.

Bloomberg, who is seeking a third term, ticked off what he described as major educational accomplishments under his and his handpicked chancellor's tenure -- with support from the UFT.

"I'm a big proponent of mayoral control. But I think the real answer here is if you take a look at the last seven years, the reforms in the city -- of the city working with the UFT -- have changed public education as we know it," Bloomberg said.

"We are the bellwether for how you can help all children get a good education. We have a long way to go, but today, test scores are dramatically higher. Graduation rates are dramatically higher.

"Teachers in New York City are now paid for the first time roughly comparable with what they can get in the suburbs. That's never been done before."

Bloomberg added that more teachers are coming to New York from across the country because the city school system "is the place to be."

He added that all public schools get equitable per-capita funding and "that wasn't done before."

As for the debate over mayoral control of the schools, Bloomberg said, "Every time in the past, we've come to an agreement that's benefited the kids, and I see no reason why we won't this time . . . [Klein's and Weingarten's] job is to fight, and then we will come together."

brendan.scott@nypost.com





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