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NEW YORK, NY January 30, 2007 —New York Governor Eliot Spitzer is expected to propose more money for education when he outlines his budget tomorrow. As WNYC's Beth Fertig reports, by not mentioning a dollar figure, the new governor is already making his priorities clear.

In a speech in Albany yesterday, Spitzer said the education debate would no longer be about money but about performance. With that, he announced a new contract with school districts. Those that get significant funding increases would have to make reforms, which could include lowering class sizes or extending the school day.

They'd also have to set performance targets for how many students will be reading at grade level or graduating. Spitzer said struggling schools would get more resources but he expects 5% could be shut down. He also said the state would make more funds available for compensating teachers in hard-to-staff schools. But he suggested a tougher evaluation system for granting tenure.

New York City is hoping to receive billions of dollars in additional school aid. The teachers union and the chancellor, who are often at odds over school reform, both praised the governor's agenda. For WNYC, I'm Beth Fertig.