New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today issued the following statement on the announcement by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, and United Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten about a plan to award bonuses to teachers based on student performance in the city’s highest-needs schools:

"There is no question that if we are to attract and retain teachers in New York, that we must be able to create an environment where members of this profession have more reason to hope that they can succeed and thrive. Today we are adding one more incentive to help keep experienced, dedicated teachers in New York. I commend Mayor Bloomberg for adopting a wise approach not only to retain teachers but to improve student performance.”

###