(Rochester, N.Y.) – Rochester’s mayor wants to take over the City School District. Bob Duffy said the district would be “run like a city department.”
Citing poor graduation rates, Duffy said the current system does not work. He said the city should be given a chance to do better, and referenced mayoral control models in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Chicago.
The city gives the school district $119 million a year, but has no control over how the money is spent.
"I believe the best way for survival for our city, the best way to ensure the best for our children, is to align both organizations," Duffy said. "The system currently does not fall in the favor of children."
The mayor sent a letter to Superintendent Jean-Claude Brizard and School board president Malik Evans expressing his intention to seek control of the school system.
In an interview Wednesday, the mayor said Brizard would continue to run the school system. Brizard was not able to comment; his father passed away.
Evans said he would be willing to discuss the issue, but would like to know how the mayor would improve results.
Duffy said he would like to strengthen after-school programs. He would like to see many more services offered at each school.
Duffy said he has talked to the staff of U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Governor David Pateron about mayoral control. He has also talked to Assemblyman David Gantt and Joe Morelle, and said they were initially receptive to the discussion.
A city takeover would require approval by the state legislature.
Former Mayor William Johnson proposed mayoral control of schools, but the issue never gained any traction during his tenure.
