According to the New York Times, the Democratic mayoral candidates plan to undo much of the progress made in City schools as a result of Mayor Bloomberg's signature policies. Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott is starting a campaign that will demand a solid plan for education reform from the mayoral candidates:
Mr. Walcott will begin his effort on Saturday, in a speech before nearly 2,000 school administrators. He will warn that the school system could fall into disarray if the policies endorsed by the Democratic candidates are put into effect.
“What these promises have in common is that they would hurt children in the service of political interests,” Mr. Walcott will say, according to a copy of his prepared remarks. “I find that disgraceful.”
Mr. Walcott said he was proud of what the Education Department had accomplished. “This is not about the mayor and me,” he said. “This is about what is in the best interest of our students.”