DANIEL DROMM, Democrat for City Council

Daniel Dromm, a veteran New York City public school teacher, spoke before the United Federation of Teachers Task Force on School Governance on February 26, 2008. Held at the UFT’s Queens office, many elected officials and top educators attended the event. Mayoral control of NYC public schools is up for re-consideration in 2009.

Daniel Dromm (pictured above with UFT President Randi Weingarten) supports the continuance of mayoral control but with significant changes to oversight. Dromm proposes the creation of an independent board to oversee curriculum, and to serve as a watchdog over the chancellor. He stresses that the board’s membership should be composed mostly of parents or others with a vested interest in NYC's public schools.

"I understand that mayoral control of the schools has had its problems. But I also recall the dysfunctional Community School Boards. I am not suggesting a return to that system. I am advocating more meaningful parental involvement in our schools," Daniel Dromm said.

Dromm continued, "While the Chancellor has called for teacher and principal accountability, I believe what is needed most is chancellor accountability. Parents, teachers and principals have been shut out of the decision-making process and that's a shame. This can’t continue."

Daniel Dromm supports legislation that would give the City Council the right to confirm a mayoral nominee for chancellor. He believes this would lead to the chancellor being more responsive to the public's concerns. "The City Council should have a voice in the selection of the person who will control our schools," he stressed.

Additionally, Dromm supports restructuring the system to improve the functionality of local school district offices. "When I first started teaching I knew everyone in the district office. I knew where to go if I had a question and needed answers. Today, after 24 years of teaching, I am more confused than when I first began teaching because now these offices are not properly staffed. I can't even imagine how parents can navigate the current system."

Dromm’s testimony ended with a recommendation that legislators implement these necessary improvements before renewing mayoral control of our schools.

Labels: Education

City Council Member Eric Gioia has endorsed Daniel Dromm in his campaign for the 25th District City Council seat.

Labels: Endorsements