The latest report from the Manhattan Institute presents a harsh critique of the educational policies proposed by the leading Democratic mayoral candidates in New York City. The report, referred to as an “Education Agenda for New York City’s Mayor,” advocates for reinstating reforms from the Bloomberg administration that significantly improved educational outcomes, particularly for underserved communities. Recommendations include expanding charter schools, increasing merit-based educational options, consolidating underperforming schools, and implementing accountability measures such as A to F grading for school performance. Notably, the report argues against the costly class size reduction mandates, which would exacerbate an already substantial $40 billion educational budget, especially given that school enrollment has declined by 12% since the pre-pandemic era.
According to co-author Ray Domanico, none of the major Democratic candidates are championing these necessary reforms, with the exception of Whitney Tilson, a hedge fund executive whose proposals mirror many from the report. While he advocates for accountability and school choice, Tilson’s candidacy struggles to gain traction in the polls. Domanico expressed disappointment at the current candidates’ reluctance to acknowledge the successes of Bloomberg’s policies, especially considering the substantial gains experienced by low-income and minority students during that period. The report highlights the expansion of charter schools as one of the most significant educational advancements in recent history, noting that 15% of NYC public school students currently attend these institutions.
Despite the apparent benefits of charter schools, the top-tier candidates have not pressed for legislative changes to increase the number of such schools. Andrew Cuomo, a former governor known for his support for charter education, has shifted focus toward community schools with additional services, which critics argue were unsuccessful under the previous administration. Meantime, mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani’s plan to eliminate the mayor’s oversight of the Department of Education has raised concerns about diminishing accountability within the school system.
Reflecting on the past, the report characterizes the educational landscape under Mayor Bill de Blasio as a regression, attributing it to policies that hindered charter school growth and abolished essential accountability measures like report card grading for schools. The detrimental impact of these changes manifests in student performance, as evidenced by disappointing results on national assessments; only a third of fourth graders are proficient in math and reading, with even lower numbers among eighth graders. The overarching theme of the report emphasizes the need for structural changes to the current educational framework, advocating for policies that foster student success.
The authors do commend current Mayor Eric Adams for integrating a phonics-based curriculum, but they stress that broader systemic issues persist. Over 60 low-enrollment schools are cited, underscoring the inefficiencies within the system, where despite dwindling student numbers, funding continues to escalate. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of the existing educational strategies and accountability mechanisms.
In conclusion, the report urges the next mayor to implement significant reforms, including lifting the cap on charter schools, reevaluating the costly class size reduction law, and enhancing the accountability of the governance structure. By addressing these areas, the next administration could steer New York City’s educational system toward a more effective and accountable model that meets the needs of all students, especially those in marginalized communities.
