04 May 2016
To examine the merits of extending mayoral control of schools in New York City.
Legislative Office BuildingVan Buren Hearing Room A 172 State Street,, Van Buren Hearing Room A, 2nd Flr, Albany, NY, 12247
10:00 AM to 01:00 PM Archived Video
Senate Standing Committee on Education
Chair: Senator Carl Marcellino
Public Hearing: To examine the merits of extending mayoral control of schools in New York City.
Place: Van Buren Hearing Room A, Legislative Office Building, 2nd Floor, Albany, New York
Time: 10:00 A.M.
Contact: Deb Peck Kelleher (518) 455-2390
Media Contact: Kathy Wilson (518) 455-1040
ORAL TESTIMONY BY INVITATION ONLY
SUBJECT: Extension of Mayoral Control of the New York City School System
PURPOSE: To examine the merits of extending mayoral control of schools in New York City.
Mayoral control of the New York City school system was established in 2002 and is currently set to expire June 30, 2016. This power was last extended in 2015 for one year. Under mayoral control, the New York City school system is governed by a city wide Panel for Educational Policy or “city board”, which is made up of 13 members. Under this system the Mayor appoints eight of the board members and each borough president appoints one member. New York City also has 32 community district education councils, which are responsible for overseeing all levels of education within their community district.
The purpose of this hearing is to allow stakeholders the opportunity to publicly weigh the merits of extending mayoral control over the New York City school system. The Education Committee will be examining the current governance structure, as well as possible alternatives and changes within the current system. Chapters 91 of 2002 and 123 of 2003 provide for a reversion to the previous system of community boards if mayoral control is not extended. The Committee will also examine the current status of New York City mayoral control, whether changes are needed, and how long of an extension should be granted.
Oral testimony will be accepted by invitation only and limited to 10 minutes in duration. 15 copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee requests advance receipt of prepared statements. Written testimony will also be accepted and may be sent to the contact person listed on the reply form. In order to further publicize the hearing, please inform interested parties of the Committee’s interest in receiving written testimony from all sources.
In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Legislature, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Legislative facilities and activities.
