Comptroller Stringer Releases Agency Watch List Report: Department of Education

To ensure spending gets results, Stringer calls for increased transparency at DOE

Agency Watch List report to be released quarterly on City agencies that raise the most budgetary concerns

   As the New York City Council Committees on Education and Finance hold a hearing on the Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2019, Comptroller Stringer released the first “Agency Watch List” report on the City’s spending at the Department of Education (DOE), calling for greater transparency from the agency on its spending and results.

The Comptroller’s report finds that while agency spending has risen rapidly in the last few years, the availability of data to monitor progress in achieving the goals set out by the Administration, and oversight of the agency’s several billion dollar procurement budget – which Comptroller Stringer has audited for waste and mismanagement – are insufficient for real accountability.

Such a massive agency, which educates over 1 million New York City children and will spend more than $25 billion this year, requires a particular level of oversight and accountability to ensure that resources are being deployed effectively and efficiently.

“The investments we make in education have long lasting impacts not just on our children – but on our city. That’s why we have a responsibility to ensure efficiency with every dollar. This is money that should be going to kids in the classroom, and not the bureaucracy at Tweed,” said New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. “When it comes to our kids, every penny counts. But the DOE has a history of losing track of its spending, at the expense of our children. That’s why we’ve audited DOE extensively and are paying close attention to the agency’s budget with our Agency Watch List. There is nothing more important than making sure we keep our promises to our children, and that means making sure that spending gets results and programs are being run efficiently and effectively. All students deserve a strong education, so we’re speaking out and paying close attention to make sure they’re getting the opportunity they deserve.”

The Agency Watch List, first announced in the Comptroller’s Preliminary Budget Presentation, spotlights City agencies – the Department of Correction (DOC), Department of Education (DOE), and Department of Homeless Services (DHS) – that raise the most budgetary concerns due to rapidly increased spending without sufficient transparency around results. Reports, to be released on each department quarterly, will review trends and recommend indicators that should be reported and monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of agency spending in achieving the Administration’s stated goals.

Lack of Procurement Oversight Remains a Risk for Waste

• The Department of Education is budgeted to spend $9.5 billion on non-personnel services (known as OTPS) in FY 2018, including a contractual services budget of $6.95 billion which itself is projected to rise to $7.16 billion in FY 2019;
• Although the DOE’s OTPS spending constitutes fully one-quarter of the total citywide OTPS budget, and its contractual services budget constitutes 44% of the entire City Contract Budget, these expenditures are not included in the annual Agency Procurement Indicators report published by the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS); and
• This is of particular concern for waste, as numerous audits and analyses by the Comptroller’s Office have documented deficiencies in management and accountability in DOE’s procurement practices, including the overuse of non-competitive and emergency procurement methods, retroactively evaluated contracts, and lack of review systems for vendors.

Renewal Schools Show Moderate Improvement but Actual Spending Not Reported

• Reporting on spending and outcomes at Renewal Schools as a group is not provided, inhibiting adequate oversight and evaluation;
• Renewal schools have demonstrated moderate progress among some important and reported indicators such as declining chronic absenteeism and improved graduation rates, although about two-thirds of high schools in the program still failed to reach their targeted graduation rates;
• However, students at most Renewal Schools still struggled to perform up to standards on State reading and math exams in 2017, as only 15.9 percent and 9.4 percent of Renewal School students in grades 3 through 8 passed the 2017 reading and math exams respectively, in comparison to Citywide average rates of 40.6 percent in reading and 37.8 percent in math.

Investment in Other Important New Programs Expands, But Reporting on Progress is Not Systematically Reported

DOE projected spending $372 million in FY 2019 on programs and initiatives to improve student outcomes. These investments are crucial in helping to level the playing field for all students, but must be monitored to ensure the spending is going to benefit the students as promised. To determine whether these investments are working for students, the DOE should provide clear reporting on the programs’ progress and that of the students who participate in them.

• The Equity and Excellence initiatives were budgeted for $149 million in spending in FY 2018, rising to $221 million in FY 2019;
• Progress in the Equity and Excellence initiatives, such as Universal 2nd Grade Literacy, AP for all, and Algebra for all, are not routinely reported;
• A series of other initiatives, including expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE), summer programming, mental health access and guidance counselors, were budgeted for $136 million this year, rising to $151 million in FY 2019; and
• Actual spending and results for these initiatives should be reported separately by DOE.

Key Indicators Currently Not Reported

A number of key indicators regarding the Department of Education spending on critical programs are not currently publicly reported. As part of the Agency Watch List report, the Comptroller’s Office is calling on the Administration to immediately make these statistics publicly available, and incorporate them into the Mayor’s Management Report.

• Number of active Renewal Schools and spending;
• Measure of 2nd grade literacy;
• Percentage of students with access to AP classes;
• Percentage of students with algebra instruction;
• Number of graduates enrolling in college.

To read the Comptroller’s full report, click here.

BRONX MAN INDICTED ON 146 COUNTS FOR SELLING 18 FIREARMS

Defendant Sold Weapons to Undercover Officer; Sales Recorded on Video 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted on 146 counts involving a gun dealing operation that sold dozens of firearms, including a semi-automatic rifle, to an undercover cop in the Bronx. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “A months-long investigation uncovered the defendant’s alleged actions, which attempted to contribute to the illegal guns on the streets of the Bronx. Each gun intercepted is a life saved and we will vigorously prosecute anyone who promotes danger in our community.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Jorge Pichardo, 29, of East Clarke Place, was indicted on 146 various counts, with the top charge of first-degree Criminal Sale of a Firearm. He was also indicted on: three counts of second-degree Criminal Sale of a Firearm; 15 counts of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon; 17 counts each of Criminal Possession of a Firearm and fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon; 18 counts of third-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon; 16 counts of Disposition of Ammunition; 40 counts of third-degree Criminal Sale of a Firearm; four counts of Attempted Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the third-degree; seven counts of third-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon; two counts of seventh-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and one count each of Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Rifle or Shotgun; third, fourth and fifth-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance; Resisting Arrest and second-degree Obstructing Governmental Administration.

 The defendant was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice William Mogulescu and is due back in court on May 29th, 2018. If convicted of the top charge, he faces up to 25 years in prison with possible consecutive sentences for additional charges.

 According to the investigation, from July 5, 2017 to January 16, 2018, the defendant allegedly sold eighteen firearms, sixteen of which were operable, to an undercover officer during a long-term investigation into gun violence. One of the weapons sold is a Norinco SKS semi-automatic rifle.

 He was arrested on January 17, 2018 after being found with over eight grams of cocaine.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Christopher Shaughnessy and Douglas Lansing, formerly of the NYPD Firearms Investigation Unit, and currently assigned to the NYPD-DEA Drug Enforcement Task Force.

BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY DARCEL D. CLARK STATEMENT ON PROSECUTION OF PUBLIC USE OF MARIJUANA

 “While smoking marijuana in public remains a quality of life concern and a nuisance to many of our citizens, an arrest and prosecution for it can lead to a criminal record affecting employment, school and housing, and have life-long consequences. People of color in the Bronx are arrested and processed in the system in disproportionate numbers, and I cannot turn a blind eye to this unfairness. I am urging the NYPD to issue criminal court (“C”) summonses during stops for public use and possession of marijuana to address the public safety and community concerns. This will spare all Bronxites from undergoing arrest for these offenses, and allow the NYPD and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute violent crimes, which are a threat to public safety. We will continue to work with the Mayor and Police Commissioner on this policy.”

News From Councilman Andy King

NYC Council Member Andy King to Host NYCHA “Constituent Services Night” on Thursday, May 31

  In order to better serve his constituents beyond the hours of 9-5, New York City Council Member Andy King and his staff will be hosting “Constituent Services Night” in a different NYCHA housing development in the 12th Council District.

A Constituent Service Night Event will be held on Thursday, May 31, 5:00 -7:00 p.m. at Eastchester Gardens, 1140/42 Burke Ave., Bronx. Services will include resources and solutions for housing, food stamps, immigration status and basic services. Representatives from Home Base/Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New York and Urban Justice Center will be in attendance to address constituents’ needs as well as provide information and resources.

There are five NYCHA housing developments in the 12th District: Gun Hill Houses, Baychester Houses, Boston Secor, Eastchester Gardens and Edenwald.

NYCHA residents can preschedule an appointment by calling the Office of Council Member Andy King at (718) 684-5509.

Rain Barrel Giveaway Set for Saturday, August 4

  Back by popular demand, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Council Member Andy King will hold a rain barrel giveaway on the Evander Childs High School football field, 800 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, on Saturday, August 4^th ,  during the 6^th annual 12th District Community Engagement Day/ Fun In the Son Parade & Concert.

A hundred rain barrels will be distributed to local residents at 10 a.m. However, residents must call and reserve their barrel --  one per person per household.

“This somewhat, old-fashion technique is very effective for homeowners who want to ensure that their plants don't suffer in summer heat and for business owners looking to manage storm water runoff from rooftops. Not only will harvesting rainwater safeguard plants and keep the sewer pipes from overflowing but it’ll help many save on their water bill. You can’t beat that!” said Council Member Andy King, 12th CD.

The 60-gallon rain barrels are easy to install and connect directly to a property owner's downspout to capture and store the storm water that falls on the rooftop. The water collected in the rain barrel can then be used to water lawns and gardens, or for other outdoor chores.

Rain barrels should only be used for non-potable purposes, such as gardening, and must be disconnected from the downspout during the winter months to avoid freezing.

For more information or to reserve a rain barrel, phone King's office at 718-684-5509. 

NYC Council Member Andy King to host free mobile legal help center

   New York City Council Member Andy King is hosting a free civil legal services mobile van on Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the annual 12^th Council District, Fun In the Son Community Engagement Day event outside the Evander Childs Football Field, 800 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx.

The mobile legal help center is a partnership between the New York Legal Assistance Group and the New York State Court's Access to Justice Program and provides free civil legal assistance to New Yorkers in need.

Lawyers will be on hand to provide assistance in various areas, including: domestic violence/family law; orders of protection/emergency orders of protections; divorces; custody/visitation; child/spousal support, and immigration.

The van provides on-site, high-level technology allowing it to function as a full-service office. Private meeting rooms inside the van are available.

Space is limited and appointments are required. To set up an appointment, phone King’s office at 718-684-5509.

Cynthia Nixon Proves She Can't Be Scared Into Backing Down

On Long Island, Cynthia says New York Democrats deserve to have at least one actual Democrat running for governor at their state convention

  Democratic candidate for governor Cynthia Nixon visited Long Island today to speak directly with state committee members, proving she can’t be scared out of the room.

“Cuomo’s folks use every acting pun they can find to paint Cynthia as unqualified but she went into the lion’s den today and more than held her own.” said spokesperson Lauren Hitt. “She spoke with press for 20 minutes at the Hempstead station and did interviews at multiple points throughout the convention. She walked into many pro-Cuomo rooms and introduced herself to delegates and talked about real issues. Cuomo, on the other hand, was completely ham handed. Everyone expected it to be the Cuomo show but making even the opening prayer be about you!? Come on.”

Cynthia started the morning at an LIRR stop, before speaking to the Progressive Caucus. She was later nominated by Janice Warner and Zakiyah Ansari, as well as Councilman Carlos Menchaca.

Alliance for Quality Education Advocacy Director Zakiyah Ansari opened the nomination: “Governor Cuomo says we spend more money than we ever have before on education. That is a meaningless statistic because I spend more on a gallon of milk than I ever did before. The reality is that under Andrew Cuomo when you factor in inflation school aid has only increased by 1.2% per year over the past 8 years.  No wonder we have so many schools all over the state with 26, 30 or even 35 students in a classroom. No wonder we have school counsellors serving as many as 700 students. No wonder some schools offer dozens of college level courses while many of our children are fortunate to have a few.”

“I’ve known Cynthia Nixon for over a decade,” she continued. “Everyone knows Cynthia is a champion for our public schools and I can tell you why. She fights for our public schools because she’s a mother who not only cares for her children’s education but about the children of NYS.”

Janice Warner, Cynthia’s high school teacher followed to second the nomination saying, “I’ve known Cynthia for 36 years. And so much hasn’t changed. She’s still a fine person. She’s thoughtful, focused, and well-researched. And unfortunately for Governor Cuomo, she’s not easily intimidated.”

Lastly, NYC Council Member Carlos Menchaca closed: “I believe in Cynthia Nixon. I believe her when she says she will work with all of us to stand up and fight Washington and truly protect all New Yorkers: Drivers Licenses for All, the Dream Act, campaign finance reform, the decriminalization of Marijuana and speaking of weed, finally remove IDC from existence.

It’s not enough to just be better than Trump. Cynthia offers a new vision of how things COULD be: transparent and collaborative. If we want to see our changes, we will need to change the leadership at the very top, to allow us to grow from the bottom up.”

News From Congressman Eliot Engel

Engel Blasts GOP Move to Weaken Dodd-Frank Financial Regulations

  “Yesterday, Congressional Republicans continued their march backwards by passing the most significant weakening of Dodd-Frank since the law was first written in response to the 2008 economic catastrophe, where 9 million people lost their jobs, 11 million lost their homes, and at least $113 trillion was lost in household wealth. Their move, which now awaits the signature of the president, opens the financial system back up to the abuse and risky behavior that almost collapsed the economy a decade ago, and does so at a time when financial firms are posting record profits, more than 163 billion in each of the past 3 years.  

“The American people literally cannot afford this GOP majority in Congress. The banking industry needs more scrutiny, not less. I opposed and voted against this bill because the legislation was touted as community bank relief, when in reality it was a megabank giveaway.  Bank lending is up 80% since the passage of Dodd-Frank in 2010.  Community banks are outperforming the larger banks and credit unions have expanded and are steadily increasing their lending.

“This bill, while masquerading as a community bank relief bill, is really one to undermine our efforts to curtail predatory and discriminatory lending practices. That is why I voted against it.”

Engel Cosponsors Legislation to Reauthorize Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) Program

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a top Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, has cosponsored legislation to reauthorize the Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) Program.

CHGME funding allows America’s children’s hospitals to train future pediatricians and pediatric specialists. H.R. 5385, the Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act, would authorize increased funding for this Program through 2023.

“I can think of few issues more important than ensuring America’s children get quality health care,” Engel said. “The Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education Program plays a key role in making sure that happens, and I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill to reauthorize that Program.”

Among the children’s hospitals that use CHGME funding to train future doctors is Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Westchester. Blythedale’s graduate medical education program is helping to address workforce shortages by training residents in specialty fields like child psychiatry. This bill will help guarantee that important work continues.

“Blythedale Children’s Hospital, New York’s only independent pediatric specialty hospital, is very supportive of CHGME because it would strengthen federal support for vital pediatric training programs and the reauthorization will continue to support the pediatric workforce and protect access to care for children across New York,” said Adam S. Herbst, Esq., Chief Legal, Planning and Government Relations Officer at Blythedale Children's Hospital.

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND CHANCELLOR CARRANZA ANNOUNCE FOUR TIMES MORE CHILDREN RECEIVING 3-K FOR ALL OFFERS

Four Times More Applicants Compared to Last Year, and Universal Access in Districts 7 and 23

  Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza today announced 3,257 families are receiving offers to free, full-day, high-quality 3-K for All across six community school districts –up from 793 offers across two community school districts last year. There will be over 5,000 students attending 3-K for All this fall, up from over 1,500 during the 2017-18 school year and including approximately 2,000 additional existing seats for three-year-olds in EarlyLearn programs. All families who applied from Districts 7 and 23 will be able to attend 3-K for All this fall, fulfilling the City’s commitment to provide universal access in every district in its second year of expansion.

Families received 3-K for All offers two months earlier than last year. A total of 9,468 families across all 32 community school districts applied for a 3-K program, demonstrating high demand and the need for additional support from the State and Federal government to bring 3-K for All citywide by the 2021-22 school year.

“The first year of 3-K for All has been a resounding success and the demand shows it has transformed the lives of families in the South Bronx and Brownsville,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “As we expand to new districts in 3-K’s second year, we will give more of our youngest New Yorkers an invaluable head start in life and make our City fairer.”

“Four times more 3-K offers means four times as many children who will get a critical start to their education, but it’s clear that we need more seats,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. “The research is clear – high-quality 3-K and Pre-K for All are the foundation of our students’ long-term academic success – and parents want their children to benefit. I hope we will receive more support from our State and federal partners to meet New York City families’ demand for free, full-day, high-quality early childhood education.”

Earlier this year, Mayor de Blasio increased the City’s commitment to fully funding free, full-day, high-quality 3-K. With this increased commitment, the full schedule for 3-K expansion is: 

·         2017-18: District 7 (South Bronx) and District 23 (Brownsville). This year, over 1,500 three-year-olds are being served by 3-K for All in these two districts.

·         2018-19: District 4 (East Harlem), District 5 (Harlem), District 16 (Bedford-Stuyvesant), and District 27 (Broad Channel, Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Rockaways). There will be over 5,000 seats across the six districts offering 3-K for All in Fall 2018. 

·         2019-20: District 6 (Washington Heights and Inwood), District 9 (Grand Concourse, Highbridge, Morrisania), District 19 (East New York), and District 31 (Staten Island)

·         2020-21: District 12 (Central Bronx) and District 29 (Cambria Heights, Hollis, Laurelton, Queens Village, Springfield Gardens, St. Albans)

DOE outreach specialists will continue to work with families who received an offer throughout the summer, to ensure their children are able to attend 3-K for All this fall. Families without an offer are receiving information today on 3-K programs – including EarlyLearn – for which they may be eligible, and will receive ongoing support from the DOE outreach team to find a program that meets their needs. Families can continue to learn about available 3-K seats online at nyc.gov/3k, over the phone by calling 311, or in person at a Family Welcome Center.

3-K for All is the nation’s most ambitious effort to provide universal, free, full-day, high-quality early childhood education for all three-year-olds, and builds on the success of Pre-K for All. Research has found every dollar invested in high-quality early education saves taxpayers as much as $13 long term.

Each district will have a two-year expansion, offering universal access in the second year. By fall 2021, the City will support approximately 19,000 3-K seats across the 12 community school districts. For the 2018-19 school year, 3-K for All will cost $66 million across six districts. At scale, the cost will be $203 million across the 12 City-funded districts. In order to achieve the vision of 3-K for All citywide, the City will need additional support from partners in the State and federal government.

There is extensive research supporting the transformative value of free, full-day, high-quality3-K for All, including the following:

·         Several studies have found that students who attend two years of preschool compared to one are better prepared for kindergarten, and that they perform significantly higher on academic and social outcome measures.

·         A study of the two-year Abbott Preschool Program in New Jersey found persistent gains in language arts and literacy, mathematics, and science through 4th and 5th grade, with larger test score gains for children who participated in two years of preschool. In addition, Abbott Preschool Program participation was linked to lower grade retention rates and fewer children needing special education.

·          A study of Head Start found that families of children who attended for two years were more likely to engage in recreational activities together that supported child development, and were likely to spend more hours reading together at home.

·         A Chicago study found that children who attended two years of public preschool were significantly less likely to receive special education services, to be abused or neglected, or to commit crimes in adulthood.

The 3-K for All expansion builds on the success of Pre-K for All. Parents with children enrolled in free, full-day pre-K save an average of $10,000 annually on childcare costs. Additionally, an NYU study last year found that Pre-K for All makes it more likely that a low-income child in New York City is properly diagnosed with asthma or vision problems, and receives screening or treatment for hearing or vision problems. Independent research from the NYC Center for Economic Opportunity demonstrated high satisfaction with Pre-K for all: 92 percent of families surveyed rated their program as excellent or good, and 83 percent of families said their child learned “a lot” in pre-K. Across the board, the research shows that both students and families are seeing critical benefits from Pre-K for All. 

Like Pre-K for All, 3-K for All relies on the partnership of community-based organizations, including Head Start, EarlyLearn providers, child care agencies, and family child care providers.

As part of the larger effort to strengthen birth-to-five care and education across the City, EarlyLearn programs are transitioning from ACS to management by DOE in 2019. This transition is being led by ACS and DOE, with engagement with other city agencies, such as the Human Resources Administration and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, as well as providers, early childhood care and education experts, and State and federal regulators. Creating a unified birth-to-five early care and education system will benefit children, families, and providers. It will enable consistent, high-quality standards, greater curricular alignment from early childhood through second grade, a single contracting relationship and set of supports for early childhood education providers, integrated data collection, and seamless connections between early childhood development and 3-K-through-12 education. In addition to programs serving three- and four-year-olds, EarlyLearn programs serving children from six-weeks-old through four-years-old are also transitioning to management by DOE, including center- and home-based programs.

3-K for All and Pre-K for All are part of the Mayor and Chancellor’s Equity and Excellence for All agenda. Together, the Equity and Excellence for All initiatives are building a pathway to success in college and careers for all students. Our schools are starting earlier – free, full-day, high-quality education for three-year-olds and four-year-olds through 3-K for All and Pre-K for All. They are strengthening foundational skills and instruction earlier – Universal Literacy so that every student is reading on grade level by the end of 2nd grade; and Algebra for All to improve elementary- and middle-school math instruction and ensure that all 8th graders have access to algebra. They are offering students more challenging, hands-on, college and career-aligned coursework – Computer Science for All brings 21st-century computer science instruction to every school, and AP for All will give all high school students access to at least five Advanced Placement courses. Along the way, they are giving students and families additional support through College Access for All, Single Shepherd, and investment in Community Schools. Efforts to create more diverse and inclusive classrooms through Diversity in New York City Public Schools, the City’s school diversity plan, are central to this pathway. 

"The statistics make clear that 3-K for All is resonating with New York City’s working families, easing the financial burden and giving our children the early start that is critical for development,” said Council Member Mark Treyger, Chair of the Committee on Education. “I commend Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza for continuing to invest in positive academic, social, and economic outcomes of our city's students and families."

EDITOR'S NOTE:

While we applaud the mayor and Chancellor's effort to move 3K For All, this is to little not soon enough. 

This plan should be implemented into the districts which are 'Districts in Need of Improvement', and that is far greater than the districts listed above. 

One major problem is that smaller districts are being given this program before other districts so that the numbers will show a large success rate. 

In order to be fair to all NYC students 3K For All must be implemented in each and every school in all NYC school districts.

Nixon Slams Cuomo For Being Unwilling to Fund Subway Fix

When presented with new plan to fix the subway, Cuomo punted

 In a statement, Governor Cuomo's spokeswoman refused to commit the state to funding the subway fixes. Today, Democratic candidate for Governor of New York Cynthia Nixon released the following statement on the Governor's reaction to the new plan to fix the MTA.

“We need a governor who will stop punting and take responsibility for funding and fixing our subways and trains. Cuomo's response to this new plan is a total failure of leadership. If he wants the MTA to talk to tech experts, he’s had 8 years to make that connection. And more importantly, he had 8 years to come up with a plan to fund the needed improvements. We can’t fix the subway until we have a governor who knows it’s her job to fund the MTA."