Chicago: Time to End the Billionaires' Experiments With Mayoral Control?
Yesterday the Chicago Board of Education voted four to two to move ahead with the largest wave of school closures in history. Mayor Richard M. Daley took control of that city's schools back in 1995, and they have been under mayoral control ever since. In the wake of the hugely unpopular school closures, many are calling this system into question. Meanwhile Mayor Rahm Emanuel is seeking to invest $55 million into building a new sports arena and hotel complex.
Mayoral control has been very popular with education philanthropists and the Department of Education as well. In 2009, Arne Duncan spoke out on the subject:
Mayoral control has been very popular with education philanthropists and the Department of Education as well. In 2009, Arne Duncan spoke out on the subject:
"At the end of my tenure, if only seven mayors are in control, I think I will have failed," Duncan said.
He offered to do whatever he can to make the case. "I'll come to your cities," Duncan said. "I'll