Fenty, City Council Head to N.Y. to Check Out Schools

WASHINGTON - Mayor-elect Adrian Fenty and D.C. Council members are on a field trip to New York to learn more about New York's school reform measures.

"If we do decide to propose something, we want to get the input of city council and that's why we're making the trip," Fenty told WTOP from the train to New York Friday morning.

The group, which includes 10 members of the incoming City Council, will meet with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and New York Public Schools chancellor Joel Klein.

Bloomberg will be showing off the school system where he successfully took over control. Fenty is considering a similar takeover of the D.C. Public Schools.

Fenty says the New York school model is very simple to understand and has a high degree of accountability.

Many of the council members have said they aren't ready to vote for a complete takeover. Superintendent Clifford Janey is fighting to keep control of the schools.

"The school superintendent Clifford Janey is traveling with us. He also is interested in best practices and seeing what's best to bring back to D.C.," Fenty says.

On the train the council members are discussing issues such as office assignments in City Hall and the possibility of building a gym for council members and staff in the John Wilson building.

Council members and Fenty have agreed on one piece of business. They have accepted a challenge from members of the media to play a charity basketball game. Details and rules are still be worked out, but Fenty and Council Chair Vince Gray, as well as Council members Tommy Wells, Jack Evans and Kwame Brown have all agreed to play. Council member elect Harry Thomas said they're going to play the "no fouls rules."

(Copyright 2006 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)