Bloomberg: NYC Must Press For 'Real' Teacher Evaluations

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the $250 million New York City schools stand to lose amid a standoff on teacher evaluations is important, but the city "cannot compromise on having a real evaluation system."

The mayor spoke on his WOR-AM radio show Friday. On Thursday, a judge blocked the state from withholding the money, at least for now.

"My hope is that the union comes to the table again and works out a deal," Bloomberg said. "The bottom line is, we've got to come up with an evaluation systems so that we can help those teachers who need help and remove those teachers who, after they get help or refuse help, can't teach."

The judge froze any sanctions until the resolution of a lawsuit filed by parents.  The state plans to appeal.

School districts had to have evaluation systems in place by Jan. 17 to get a state aid increase this school year. Bloomberg's administration and the teachers' union couldn't agree on a system, so the city missed the deadline.

The city has said the lost money means eliminating 700 guidance counselor and teacher positions.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)