UFT Praying For Bill Thompson To Win
No, seriously - they really are:On Sunday afternoon, members of the United Federation of Teachers will join the former controller for a "Blessing of Educators" service at a Methodist church in Brooklyn as the union ramps up its GOTV efforts on his behalf."Our members are ready for a change in City Hall. They always come out to vote, and this year they are more determined than ever," said UFT Presi
Real Estate Industry Buys City Council Races
There was an article a while ago at Gotham Schools, I'm not remembering the day, but basically it was how charter school operators and backers aren't worried about the mayor's race because they plan to own the City Council.Well, the NY Times explains today how that's going to happen:A group aligned with the city’s real estate industry has unleashed a torrent of spending to support pro-business can
Daily News Hits Spitzer On Money Spent On Campaign - But What About Bloomberg?
From the Daily News:With the polls showing a surge in voter support for Scott Stringer in the Democratic race for city controller, Eliot Spitzer is pouring money — big money — into his redemption drive. Desperation to win has trumped principle.No surprise there.On Aug. 30, this column challenged Spitzer to keep faith with his long-stated support for campaign finance reform. He has repeatedly backe
You Can't Put Students First If You Put Teachers Last
Went running from Jersey City to Bayonne yesterday because it was a beautiful day and I wanted to be outside and get some exercise.Along Broadway, I saw signs like this in some shop windows:Had lunch in one little restaurant that had that sign in the window.It was nice to see signs like this that frame the battle for teachers' rights and work protections as a concurrent battle for students' rights
Kenneth Cole Uses Syrian Attack To Promote Kenneth Cole Products
He is a vile, vile man:No war — or impending US military strike — is beyond Kenneth Cole’s tasteless humor! With Congress weighing President Obama’s recommendation to bomb Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, the famed fashionista urges consumers to attack shoe store shelves.Cole tweeted: “Boots on the ground’ or not, let’s not forget about sandals, pumps and loafers. #Footwear”It’s not the first ti
Cuomo Plans To Attack "Failing" Schools And School Districts in 2013-2014
He's ratcheting up the "death penalty" rhetoric for schools:Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Thursday that he intends to put an end to the status quo when it comes to New York’s failing schools. Far from backing away from his recent comments calling for a “death penalty” for these schools, the governor said he intends to set benchmarks and consequences for schools – and school districts – when they don’t
Who Are These Teachers Who Like Walcott?
The NYCDOE survey results:In his second year as New York City schools chancellor, Dennis Walcott’s popularity fell to levels that rival the tumultuous 95-day tenure of his predecessor, Cathie Black. Fifty-seven percent of teachers said they were “unsatisfied or very unsatisfied” with Walcott, the highest disapproval rate for a chancellor since at least 2010. A little more than one in four teachers
9-5-13 Perdido Street School
Perdido Street School: Bloomberg's Endorsement Seen As "Kiss Of Death"Yes, that phrase actually gets used in today's Times article on why not one candidate running for mayor has sought Bloomberg's endorsement - not even the Republicans.One GOP candidate took a poll with Republican voters and found that two-thirds had a negative view of Bloomberg.In the Democratic Primary, de Blasio has surged to