Principals, teachers unions endorse Stringer

In a city where the mayor stands in charge of the public school system, it certainly helps to have the endorsement of teachers and principals alike. And one mayoral hopeful picked up major nods from unions involving both.

The Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, which represents principals and school heads in the city, backs city comptroller Scott Stringer in the upcoming mayoral primary. 

The United Federation of Teachers, however, took a little more time to offer its endorsement, initially narrowing down its candidates list to Stringer, businessman Andrew Yang, Brooklyn borough president Eric Adams and attorney Maya Wiley.

Stringer ultimately received UFT’s endorsement this past Monday.

According to CSA’s president Mark Cannizzaro, The CSA made its decision based on Stringer’s city government experience, the fact he spent his whole life in the city, and because he’s a parent to two city public school students.

“Public school communities have faced countless challenges this past year due to the severe impact of the pandemic,” Cannizzaro said, in a release. “We need a leader in City Hall with the skills, experience and vision to appropriately address our students’ academic, social and emotional needs. (Stringer) has innovative, bold plans to transform classrooms for future generations, and he will be ready on Day One as mayor to implement them to bring a robust post-COVID recovery.”

Free 3-K comes to local schools this fall

Not long after the city announced it would add some 16,000 slots for free services for 3-year-olds looking to get an early start to school, some local educational institutions learned they will host some of those slots beginning this fall.

Among them is BedRock Preschool on Arlington Avenue. Managing director Mego Gojka hoped the school would be selected as it already participates in the city’s Pre-K for All program.

“It’s a win-win situation for children, and also working families,” Gojka told The Riverdale Press earlier this month. “They really need us, and I think even within the classroom, it’s going to create the potential for a diverse environment and … investment for the future for children.”

Joining them is Riverdale Neighborhood House on Mosholu Avenue.

“This means we could offer the same high-quality early childhood program we are known for at no cost to families for six hours a day,” spokeswoman Nancy Alberts told The Press in a statement. “And with our options for extended day, we will be even better equipped to meet the (needs) of working families in our district.”

Private institutions like St. Gabriel School on West 235th Street and St. Margaret of Cortona School on West 260th Street also will participate. Although the schools normally charge tuition, 3-K students will attend for free.

Other local participating schools and organizations can be found and registered for at MySchools.nyc.gov. Eligible students must turn 3 on or before Dec. 31.

Deadline for fall enrollment is May 28.