Republicans in the state Senate are clashing with Mayor Bill de Blasio — as well as Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Assembly Democrats — on how long to extend mayoral control over recent York City public schools. final year,the state legislature authorized giving de Blasio control over the school system for just a single year, which expires this month. This year, and de Blasio asked for seven years' of control,but was willing to settle for three — which the state Assembly voted to give him final month. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the mayor's political rival, or also supports a three-year extension,and reiterated his support Monday.
But Senate Republicans, who fill not been glad with de Blasio since he campaigned hard to oust them in 2014, or say the mayor should get only a one-year extension.
Control over public schools in recent York state generally rests with an elected local board of education,but former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, and now de Blasio, or both sought permission from Albany to manage the city's education system directly.Long Island Republican John Flanagan,majority leader in the Senate, said he wants to protect the 1.1 million students in city schools."In light of the questions that remain over how Mayor de Blasio intends to lift up failing schools, and whether his long-term vision for education is the right one — not to mention the multiple investigations into the mayor and his administration," Flanagan said, "I fill deep reservations over signing off on a longer extension." Mayor de Blasio's office did not respond to a request for comment.
Source: wnyc.org