By Denae Brewer
Editor in Chief

In his first state of the city address, Mayor Michael Bloomberg highlighted his proposal on taking over the embattled Board of Education.

Currently the largest school system in the country - with an enrollment of over 1 million students - the mayor feels that placing all public schools under his jurisdiction is beneficial to all.

"Fundamental reform of our school system is essential if we are serious about educating our children," Mr. Bloomberg said. Citing low-test scores and routine bureaucratic red tape, Mr. Bloomberg has placed the board of Ed and its 32 community school boards, on the top of his political hit list. "There are simply too many cooks over at 110 Livingston Street, each with their own competing recipe, which produces a political stew rather than a sound education," he said.

"Some people contend that mayoral control of the school system is just a 'power grab,'" Mr. Bloomberg said during his 40-minute speech. "I disagree. This is not about power, but about accountability in education."

Mr. Bloomberg is not the first mayor to express his disapproval of the Board of Education's performance. During his eight years in office, former mayor Giuliani routinely called for the board's dissolution. In years past, Mr. Giuliani's requests fell on deaf ears - mostly because of his public political clashes with state and local legislatures. Today, Mr. Bloomberg's proposal is being considered.

In an unprecedented move, the Board of Elections has called for a delay in community school board elections originally slated for May 7. The school board elections, which take place every three years, routinely have a low voter turnout - only three percent voted in 1999. "That means that more than 97 percent of the eligible voters are rejecting the current system of school governance by refusing to participate." the mayor said. Everyone does not agree with the mayor's proposed takeover.

"I think it's a bad idea," said Highbridge resident Wanda Smith. Ms. Smith currently has a 7-year old daughter in CES 73. "The Mayor already has too many duties." Ms. Smith and other parents contend that although they are unsatisfied with the way the school system is run toady, they feel that the schools need specific individual attention - the type of attention the mayor of a large city could not give. "Getting the schools lost in city hall is not the best thing for our children," Ms. Smith said.

"It's depressing," Theodore Garcia, Vice President of Community School Board 9, said. "This board has worked hard to improve the district's performance. The power should stay with the Board of Ed."

Others feel differently. "Let the Mayor take over," said concerned parent Bernadette Gray. "The system is not working now anyway." Fed up with the Board of Education, Ms. Gray is willing to test out other options. She suggests that the mayor have a trial period running the schools. "He already has experience running big businesses, let's see what he can do. Let's let the parents decide whether or not he keeps on doing it."

Ultimately, it is up to the state legislature to determine who will control New York City's vast school system.

Mr. Bloomberg feels that something should be done and soon. In his closing remarks on the subject, the mayor said, "Let us work together to reform our school system now. Make no mistake about it, all of us in this room were elected to improve education. That does not mean simply rearranging the deck chairs on the deck of our educational Titanic."