The volatile issues surrounding Mayor Robert Duffy's push to take control of public
schools in Rochester has created uproar among parents, union workers, administrators
and City Council Members. The "idea" itself has fermented into classic
Shakespearean Political Theatre - to be or not to be...Council member Loretta
Scott acknowledges the deep divide among Rochesterians who are for or against
Mayoral Control but was also quick to point out other elements that have came
into play which is important and beneficial to the educational process. "The
conversation is inflammatory and divisive but the good part is dialogue has been
created," Scott said. "Folks are now interested like never before. Surveys,
forums, workshops, marches are prevalent throughout the City. If the issue can
continue to create this kind of energy and fire around the need for our kids to
become academically successful- it is also our success."
Scott was
elected to Rochester's City Council in 2009. She was elected to serve a four-
year term as one of the five at- large council members. Scott says, she's leaning
towards Mayoral Control but it's not something she would've recommended. In addition,
she insisted if Mayoral Control is going to take place standing on the sideline
watching it happen is not an option.
"The issue of Mayoral Control
rest on a decision being made by State government officials in Albany, New York,"
Scott said. "Our duty as council members is to make sure if Mayoral Control
is implemented it produces the desired results and all decisions made are geared
toward the academic success of the students who attend Rochester's City schools.
The discussion should never be about political power, money or people holding
on to their jobs."
Scott believes the best way to turn the City schools
around is increased community activism. "We are victims in some ways of too
much government," Scott said. "We have to do our own- with and for -
and by ourselves. As a community we need to step in and be a sister, brother or
mother to a child that needs mentoring or just a positive adult in their life.
We have forgotten how to be self-sufficient in our communities."
During
her campaign to become a member of City Council Scott promised to focus on economic
development and education. Since being elected she has acquired positions on both
the Finance Committee and Chairperson of the Education Ad Hoc Committee. In regards
to her leadership positions she clearly stated, that it is the responsibility
of the school board to ensure that each child has the best possible opportunity
for academic success but as council members it's their job to give them support
and also hold them accountable for ensuring that the largest possible portion
of every dollar is devoted to activities that directly impact positive academic
outcomes.
The Education Ad Hoc Committee was set up to work in collaboration
with the school board to find ways to best administer cost efficiencies and to
exchange ideas and suggestions that would produce the best positive academic outcome
for students.
"The improvement in graduation from 39 percent to 52
percent is commendable and we need to do more," Scott said. "But with
the State raising the passing grade point average ten points higher, the graduation
rate will drop back in the 40 percentile. This is not acceptable. "
Scott
was critical of the information alleging funds was misappropriated in an audit
done by the State of New York Comptrollers Office regarding the school boards
financial dealings from July 2007 through October 2008 under former Superintendant
Manny Riviera.
The audit uncovered unsolicited pay raises to top administrative
school officials without question or due process and evidence of contracts being
awarded without any bidding totaling more than 2 million dollars to people with
personal relationship ties with the Board's Chief Financial Officer. "This
is inexcusable and unacceptable," Scott said. "I've been with the City
for over 30 years and have never seen an audit that damning."
In addition,
she stated that it doesn't matter who ultimately gains or continues to execute
financial expenditures for the City schools? The City Council Members will vigorously
hold any official in charge of spending taxpayer's money accountable; make sure
transparency is present in all transactions and the proper procedures are followed
according to policy when awarding City contracts.
She also noted, the Mayor
is committed to the consolidation of City and schools and with that on the table
the process of working with the collective body has diminish.
In January
Mayor Duffy released an 11-page document entitled, "A Framework for Change
in School Governance." Within the document the Mayor gave a general outline
of his plan and statistics that supported and highlighted the achievements of
education systems currently under Mayoral Control. It has been reported the Mayor
will release a full plan after the State makes its decision on his request to
take over the City schools.
Scott strongly feels Council Members must have
a voice in the way Mayoral Control is going to be modeled. In a letter to Gov.
David Patterson dated February 3, 2010, The Education Ad Hoc Committee requested
legislation on Mayoral Control include (6) provisions:
-Fiscal Oversight-any
contract in the amount of 10,000 or more
-Authority to appoint 4 members of
the nine member panel on the Mayoral Control Education Board
-Require the Mayor
to appoint a Deputy Mayor of Education with a degree in Urban Education
-A
committee designed to ensure the needs of children with special needs are met
-Specifically
state within the legislation parental involvement and representation is required
on school based planning teams
"If Mayoral Control is inevitable 'checks
and balances' is a must," said Scott.
The volatile issues surrounding Mayor Robert Duffy's push to take control of public
schools in Rochester has created uproar among parents, union workers, administrators
and City Council Members. The "idea" itself has fermented into classic
Shakespearean Political Theatre - to be or not to be...