City Council's Education Committee

A whistleblower protection bill supported for so long by UFT president Randi Weingarten easily passed the City Council's Education Committee early today.

The bill had exactly one opponent on the committee, Peter Vallone, Jr.

His explanation: "Very strong whistleblower protection laws already exist."

The bill comes up for a vote in front of the full Council tomorrow.

-- Azi Paybarah

The following line from Betsy Gotbaum's prepared testimony to the City Council's Education Committee caught my eye:

"Are we really going to sit by idly as the Department [of Education] continues to award no-bid contracts without consulting its stakeholders - our students, parents, and educators?"

This may be nitpicking, but when's the last time students had a say in the awarding of school contracts? Or cared to have one?

-- Azi Paybarah

One major challenge facing Eliot Spitzer once Day 1 starts is his promise to settle the 13-year-old the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit. The decision calls for billions additional funds be sent to city public schools, but Spitzer has said he wants the city to chip in between 25 to 40%.

The man who led the lawsuit, and now chairs the City Council's Education Committee thinks 40% is a bit high, but told me supports the governor-to-be's position.

"I think New York City is going to have to pay a share, but not 40%," Jackson told me. "If you actually read the court of appeals decision, it doesn't say who should pay for it."

"I would wholly support 25%," Jackson said.

40%. 25%. 0%. It'll be figured on Day 1.

-- Azi Paybarah