Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Budget Cuts Could Mean Layoffs For Recently Hired Teachers
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Jan 31, 2011
Modified Jan 31, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Jan 31, 2011
Modified Jan 31, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Speaking at the Christian Cultural Center in Canarsie, Mayor Bloomberg predicted that unless the rules changed to firing teachers based on performance and not seniority, the city may have to lay off almost every teacher hired within the past five years. Of course he can't say that for sure since Albany has yet to finalize a budget, but that didn't stop the mayor from making such hyperbolic claims to support his campaign to end "Tenure for Life." Bloomberg said, "Albany rules say when it comes to teaching, talent doesn't matter, results don't matter. I say enough with Albany rules!"
Albany plans to release the state budget tomorrow, and a spokesman for Governor Cuomo previously told the Wall Street Journal that it is "premature to speculate about the budget." But Bloomberg continued, "You just cannot do this. If the Governor’s budget contains education cuts, it must also contain changes to the law so that we can take merit into account when making these difficult decisions."
The Post reports there might be a super secret plan to fire up to 4,000 "nonteaching teachers," like those formerly kept in "rubber rooms," without having to deal with the "last in, first out" policy. However, UFT President Michael Mulgrew wasn't buying it, and thinks the goal should be to avoid layoffs altogether. He said, "The mayor's propaganda campaign isn't fooling anyone. Everyone knows that laying off teachers sends class sizes skyrocketing and hurts kids. The mayor should be working with us to prevent layoffs." But then he wouldn't get to blame anything on Albany!
Tagged
Albany
budget
education
mayor bloomberg
teacher tenure
Jaya Saxena
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .