Statement of Secretary Arne Duncan, New York City School Visit (as prepared for delivery):
"I am here to talk about the importance of preventing devastating job losses while also continuing to tackle reform.
"All across America, layoff notices are going out. Estimates run as high as 300,000 education jobs are at risk – and that means that our children are at risk. Vital programs are also at risk -- summer school, after school and early learning programs – sports, music and language programs – extra activities that make school fun, enriching and well-rounded – are now facing cuts.
"Mike Casserley from the Council of Great City Schools released a report yesterday indicating that big cities all across America are facing historic budget pressures that will absolutely affect children in the classroom. I know that suburban and rural school districts face similar pressures.
"This is an absolute catastrophe that America cannot afford not only for its impact on children and our ongoing efforts to reform public education -- but also for its impact on our economy.
"We inherited one of the worst economies in history and thanks to the efforts of President Obama and Congress we are starting to turn things around. Putting 300,000 educators on the unemployment lines could bring that recovery to a screeching halt. We need to keep teachers teaching and keep children learning and keep America working.
"Equally important, there is a lot of important education reform activity underway in states all across America – including right here in New York. As we speak the state is preparing its application for Race to the Top and I am thrilled that New York is reapplying. This state has a great history of education reform and you have an opportunity to write a bold new chapter.
"At the same time, a number of reform ideas are under consideration by the State legislature and while I cannot talk about any specifics I can say we share many of the underlying values that they promote.
"The President has called on states to allow good charter schools to flourish while insuring that there is real and meaningful accountability – and that means a high bar to entry and a real commitment to quality. And we all agree that we need a better system of evaluating teachers and principals and holding ourselves accountable.
"I understand there are honest disagreements among some of the parties here in New York, but let’s be frank: it just wouldn’t be New York without some friendly disagreements. I am confident that – whatever the outcome – it will be better for children and better for American education and – of course, better for New York.
"I want to thank everyone here today – Mayor Bloomberg, Chancellor Klein, President Mulgrew, Mike Casserley of the Council of Great City Schools and Al Sharpton, who has been an ally in the school reform movement.
"Education is a shared responsibility. We all have a role to play and there is no single approach. We must be creative, innovative, and – impatient – because our children cannot wait any longer for a world-class education. Now is the time for all of us to come together – put aside our differences – and do the right thing for children. I know that it’s hard. I know that it requires us to move outside our comfort zones. I know that we are asking much more of ourselves and each other. If it was easy we would have done it long ago. This is the toughest, most important work in America and progress does not come easily.
"I am deeply grateful for the efforts of everyone in this room and I am absolutely confident that your hard work will pay off in terms of better results in the classroom. Thank you."