Comments on: Pro-mayoral control lobbying group adds new members

By: F Harry Stow

F Harry Stow — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:13:54 +0000

Abby, the school system was not deteriorating prior to the Bloomberg/Klein. Parent involvement thrived until 2002. The organizations announced by Learn NY are collectors of cash. Why haven’t these organizations fought for class size reduction,to eliminate overcrowding, etc. You have bought into the City Hall spin. The folks at Tweed have manipuated data to satisy their needs. Maybe this election year parents,students and dedicated teachers will see the return of real parent involvement in their children’s education.

By: Abby

Abby — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:59:09 +0000

These are organizations that work in and care about our educational system, utilizing open forums and community outreach to raise awareness. Parents need to be informed in order to make important decisions about student education. Only a few years ago the NYC school system was deteriorating on our watch. It’s heartening to see so many groups working together to focus on quality student education.

By: Doug Dulle

Doug Dulle — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:40:08 +0000

You mean the “keep it going” ads Mike? I think those are DOE.

Setting aside the merits of the issue/topic, as a designer, I find those ads to be excellent. Clear, simple, unmistakeable message that sticks in your head.

By: F Harry Stow

F Harry Stow — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:52:10 +0000

Learn NY is not recruiting “grass roots” supporters. The list released yesterday includes 11 organizations who received funds from Bloomberg’s personal philanthropy through the Carnegie Corporation and least ten organizations that received nearly $14,000,000 in no bid contracts from DOE.

By: Michael D. Markowitz, P.E.

Michael D. Markowitz, P.E. — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 03:02:47 +0000

At least they didn’t call it “G-r-a-d-u-a-t-e NY.”

CECD2′s recent resolution protesting the draft Proposed 2010-2014 Capital Plan (see link) states:
“Whereas, it has been established that New York City’s high schools have a 49% four-year graduation rate (30% for black males), smaller class sizes in high schools could better afford teachers the ability to concentrate on the educational needs of each individual high school student, so as to ensure graduation and a meaningful placement either in college or in the work force;”

BTW, who’s paying for that subway ad campaign touting the Mayor and Chancellor’s record, and has there been any independent fact-checking?

By: leonie haimson

leonie haimson — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 02:48:39 +0000

Learn NY has solicited backers in a “grassroots” fashion, by offering community groups $500 and up to sponsor meetings where Learn NY can present their one-sided perspective on Mayoral control.

This is grassroots organizing, Bloomberg style. In other venues, it might be called bribery.