Cuomo, Lawmakers Agree To 1-Year Extension Of Mayoral Control Over NYC Schools
ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Top lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo agreed to a one-year extension of the policy giving Mayor Bill de Blasio control over New York City schools.
The Senate and Assembly wrapped up their work early Saturday morning.
De Blasio wanted a seven-year continuation of the policy, first enacted in 2002. Cuomo and Assembly Democrats pushed for three years, but Senate Republicans insisted on a one-year renewal.
In a statement, de Blasio said preserving mayor control over schools "will ensure progress continues for 1.1 million students."
While one-year extensions are no way to treat our children, families or educators, this action is a crucial acknowledgment by State lawmakers that the education progress we have made in New York City could not have happened without our accountable control of the school system," he said.
The Republicans also successfully added a requirement that city schools publish information on their spending.
"This debate has always been about ensuring that school children in New York City receive a first-class education that prepares them for the rest of their lives, and this agreement moves us closer to that goal,'' said Senate Leader John Flanagan, R-Long Island.
The end-of-session agreement also includes requirements for schools to test water for lead.
The session was scheduled to end Thursday but dragged into Friday when lawmakers and Cuomo struggled to craft a compromise on mayoral control.
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