FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PR- 339-09 July 24, 2009 STATEMENT OF MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ON STATE SENATE AGREEMENT ON SCHOOL GOVERNANCE LEGISLATION “The agreement announced by the Senate Democratic Leadership today enables progress in our schools to continue. It preserves the accountability and authority necessary to ensure that the gains we’ve made – in math and reading scores, graduation rates and school safety – continue.  At the same time, the agreement addresses concerns that have been raised by legislators in a way that makes sense.  We are grateful to Senator Sampson for working with us to bring closure to this crucial issue, and to Speaker Silver, Assemblymember Nolan, and to Senators Smith, Skelos, Padavan and Squadron for their advocacy on behalf of New York City’s 1.1 million school children. We also thank Governor Paterson and American Federation of Teachers’ President Randi Weingarten for their support, and look forward to the Senate coming back to Albany the first week of August and passing this important legislation.” MEDIA CONTACT: Stu Loeser/Dawn Walker   (212) 788-2958