De Blasio, Carranza Rally For Extension Of Mayoral Control Over City Schools
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A rally was held Thursday at City Hall to call for the extension of mayoral control over the city school system.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza were in attendance. They were joined by labor leaders, advocates and other elected officials.
Web Extra: Mayor De Blasio Calls For Extension Of Control Over City Schools
The mayor was granted a two-year extension in June 2017.
"Mayoral control has allowed for big changes to happen fast. Pre-k for all: We went from 20,000 kids in full-day pre-k to 70,000 kids in two years time," de Blasio said. "There'll be 20,000 3-year-olds getting a full day quality education this coming September... there's nothing more humbling than being responsible for 1.1 million children and their future."
MORE: De Blasio Changes Stance On Charter Schools As Part Of Mayoral Control Agreement
If the policy had expired, control of city schools would have reverted to a single board of education and dozens of community school boards. At the time, the city estimated that could create $1.6 billion in added administrative costs over 10 years.
The state legislature has to pass a new bill extending mayoral control of the school system.