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  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2002
PR-179-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES THAT
U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT HAS RULED IT DOES NOT NEED
TO REVIEW TWO PROVISIONS OF SCHOOL GOVERNANCE LAW


Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced that the United States Justice Department has notified New York City that it has determined that two major provisions of the new school governance law are not required to be submitted for preclearance under the Voting Rights Act and are therefore effective immediately.

"I am pleased that the Justice Department has ruled in this fashion and done so quickly," Mayor Bloomberg said. "This historic school governance legislation will allow us to fix a system that has failed too many generations of New York City's children. My administration will do everything in its power to improve the education of our children and I will be accountable for the results."

The two provisions involve:

The Justice Department is still reviewing a provision of the new law, which provides for the Chancellor to directly appoint the Superintendents of the Community School Districts. This provision would replace the old system in which the Chancellor was required to choose a district superintendent from candidates recommended by Community School Boards. The Justice Department has agreed to expedite this review and has stated that by August 19, 2002 it will either make a determination about this provision, or request any additional information necessary to complete its review.

 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Jerry Russo
(212) 788-2958
Kate O'Brien Ahlers (Corporation Counsel)
(212) 788-0400