New York City’s principals union unanimously issued on Sunday a vote of no confidence in Mayor Bill de Blasio and School Chancellor Richard Carranza on Sunday.
The leaders of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, which has roughly 6,400 members, cited a “failure to lead New York City through the safe and successful reopening of schools” in unanimously passing a vote of no confidence and demanded the Democratic mayor request assistance from the state to lead schools throughout the remainder of the coronavirus pandemic.
“CSA calls on Mayor de Blasio to cede mayoral control of the Department of Education for the remainder of this health crisis and for Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza to seek the immediate intervention of the New York State Education Department,” the union said in a statement.
De Blasio has been criticized by teachers and school administrators throughout the health crisis. In March, teachers threatened to hold a “sick-out” because de Blasio refused to close schools, prompting Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to step in and close schools in the city in the spring. De Blasio then struggled to implement a hybrid plan for reopening schools during the fall, leading to several delays to the in-person school year.
“During this health crisis, school leaders have lost trust and faith in Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza to support them in their immense efforts and provide them with the guidance and staffing they need. Quite simply, we believe the City and DOE need help from the State Department, and we hope that the mayor soon realizes why this is necessary,” said Council President Mark Cannizzaro.
