NYC Schools Chancellor Getting Rid Of School 'Support Networks'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) - Chancellor Carmen Farina is reorganizing the management structure for New York City's 1.1 million-pupil public school system.

Farina announced Thursday that she'll do away with a system of 55 school "support networks" put in place by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Under the new system, accountability will be returned to local superintendents for each of the 32 districts.

During the Bloomberg administration, each school was a member of one of the 55 networks.

The networks were supposed to provide support and mentoring to principals.

Critics said the networks were ineffective, especially for struggling schools.

The networks will be replaced by seven geographically based Borough Field Support Centers.

Farina said the new system will create consistency and clarity.

It will go into effect in the 2015-2016 school year.

In October 2014, Farina got rid of 15 of the 42 school superintendents in another attempt to refresh the system.

Farina told CBS2 then she wants to create a handpicked panel of experienced leaders who know how to whip the country's largest school system into shape.

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