During a Panel for Education Policy meeting, the 13-member board voted to approve Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s plan to cut funding for construction of 21 new schools, including nine in Queens.
The panel, including eight mayoral appointments, and five representatives from the borough presidents’ offices, voted on February 27 to approve the Mayor’s plans and blamed Albany for not coming up with enough funds for the projects.
“It’s time for the State to end its delinquency,” Bloomberg said. “The State must do what’s right and meet its duties to our City’s schoolchildren.”
According to reports, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno is under pressure to deliver $7.4 billion dollars annually to the City under an order from Judge Leland DeGrasse, which Governor George Pataki is currently appealing.
“We are trying to work it out,” said Senator Serphin Maltese. “I am not interested in a continuing to fight with the Mayor when the welfare of my constituents and students are at stake.”
Maltese said that the City schools definitely need more funding, but he said Bloomberg’s plan is not the answer.
“To talk about not proceeding with the construction of 21 schools is irresponsible,” Maltese said.
Panel kills 21 new schools, 9 in Queens
By Pete Davis
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