As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education in New York City, it is imperative that we maintain a steadfast commitment to the civil rights and academic advancement of all our children, particularly those from marginalized communities. This commitment is embodied in the call to extend mayoral control of New York City public schools for four additional years.
As president of the NAACP New York State Conference and a passionate advocate for human rights and equality, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of mayoral control in our city’s education system. We must extend this vital mechanism for our schools.
Under mayoral control, outcomes for Black and Brown youth have shown marked improvement compared to the antiquated Board of Education system. In the past 15 years, the gap in the graduation rate between Black and white students decreased from 19.9 points to 9.5 points, the gap between Hispanic and white students decreased from 21.5 points to 9.8 points, while the overall dropout rate dropped from 13.5% to 5.4%.
Those are important gains as a result of the mayoral control system that cannot be overlooked.
Indeed, mayoral control under the Adams administration is working. Last year alone, students’ math proficiency rates increased by 12 percentage points, and English Language Arts proficiency rates increased by 3 percentage points. This would not have been possible, especially in a post-COVID world where students experienced major learning loss, without centralized and dedicated leadership.
These are real, tangible improvements for our students. Gone are the days of bureaucratic stagnation and institutional neglect that plagued our schools. Instead, we have seen a renewed focus on accountability, innovation, and equity.
It is crucial to acknowledge the endemic corruption and inefficiency that once pervaded the old system. Too often, our children were failed by a bureaucracy more concerned with self-preservation than with their academic success. In 1994, in response to the arrests of 18 officials for corruption under the old Board of Education, an inspector stated, “These are not defendants that needed to be coaxed. They were seeking, eagerly, to make the bribes.”
Mayoral control has brought transparency and accountability to the forefront, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are most needed and that every student has access to a high-quality education — not line the pockets of those elected to support our schools.
Extending mayoral control is not merely a bureaucratic formality; it is a moral imperative rooted in the principles of justice and equity. We cannot afford to return to the days of dysfunction and neglect that characterized the old system, which disproportionately impacted communities of color.
In 1994, chaos on the board overseeing District 17 in Crown Heights left half of the principal and assistant principal positions empty as adults fought over who should be appointed, while books and equipment went missing, and the district was unable to pass timely budgets.
It took a total collapse of confidence by parents and the community before the chancellor at the time was able to step in and provide stability for schools. Our children deserve better, and mayoral control offers the best path forward toward realizing their full potential.
Mayors Mike Bloomberg, Bill de Blasio, and Eric Adams all came to their responsibility to our students from different places, but each of them took this responsibility seriously and with the focus our students deserve. I may not always agree with the actions taken by whoever the current mayor is, but because of clear lines of authority, the communities most impacted by educational policy are able to effectively advocate for change and have their voices heard.
With mayoral control I know that there is a single person I can hold responsible for the failings and triumphs of our schools instead of trying to get accountability from dozens of independently elected people who may not have all the city’s children’s best interests at heart.
As we advocate for the extension of mayoral control, let us remain vigilant in our pursuit of educational justice. Let us continue to fight for the rights of every child to receive a quality education, regardless of their zip code or background. And let us stand united in our commitment to building a brighter future for all New Yorkers.
I urge the New York State Legislature to heed the call of civil rights leaders and extend mayoral control of New York City public schools for four additional years. Together, we can ensure that every child can thrive and succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Dukes is president of the NAACP New York State Conference.