Mayor to skip meeting with New York senators over New York City school control

ALBANY -- New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is skipping a meeting with state lawmakers considering whether to renew his control over city schools.

Republican Senate Leader John Flanagan of Suffolk County says he's "extremely disappointed" that de Blasio won't attend Thursday's hearing in New York City, which Flanagan said was arranged to accommodate the Democratic mayor's schedule.

De Blasio's office confirmed Wednesday that he wouldn't attend the hearing. A spokesman says de Blasio has already made a "compelling case" for renewing the policy. De Blasio wants a seven-year extension and gave his pitch to lawmakers earlier this month in Albany, though Flanagan says he's unconvinced.

Mayoral control of schools was first enacted in 2002 but will expire next month if state lawmakers don't extend it.

The Assembly supports a three-year renewal.