In the New York Sun, Andy Wolf reports that "virtually all schools [in New York City] received budget cuts that in some cases exceeded 20 percent," despite an increase of $264 million in total funding for Gotham's public schools in 2004-05. Where did the money go? Wolf suggests that it went to a variety of frills - curriculum "coaches" hired to implement the favored citywide reading and math programs of departed deputy chancellor Diana Lam; massive professional development contracts (often awarded in a no-bid process); a small schools initiative; and Mayor Bloomberg's plan to hold back underperforming third graders. Meanwhile, Wolf echoes reporting from local community papers suggesting that disaffection and turnover are high among principals and instructional leaders.
"Getting down to blood money," by Andrew Wolf, New York Sun, July 23, 2004