As head of a commission whose report suggests ways New York City should spend billions of dollars it will be awarded by the state, Arthur Levine advocates increased funding for low-performing schools and teachers' salaries.  In its report, "Fulfilling the Promise: Getting High Quality Teachers Into Every New York City Classroom and Keeping Them There," the commission outlined matching teaching experience with salary and school placement.  It called for 3% salary increases above union negotiations with the City, as well as incentives of either 7% or 10% for individuals either working in the lowest-performing schools or reaching the "master" level of teaching.

Albany was required in a lawsuit filed by the Campaign for Fiscal Equity to increase funding for City schools by $5.6 billion by 2006, plus another $9.2 billion in capital spending over the next five years to shrink classes, reduce overcrowding, and improve facilities.

The article, entitled "Report Lays Out How CFE Billions Should Be Spent," appeared in the April 11 edition of New York Sun.

Published Friday, Apr. 15, 2005