News

NEW YORK, NY October 18, 2005 —A City Council commission has detailed how the Department of Education could spend a windfall of billions of dollars it's expecting from the state.

The independent commission's latest and most ambitious proposal would be to create a new district of Lab schools where teachers, principals and researchers could all collaborate on new instructional programs. The commission, which was appointed by Speaker Gifford Miller, is also recommending 10 percent raises for principals willing to work in low performing schools.

Mayor Bloomberg has already proposed an expansion of early childhood programs and smaller classes with the state money. But neither proposal can go anywhere right now.

The state is appealing the court decision that would force it to eventually give the city an extra 5 and a half billion dollars annually to provide students a sound, basic education.