To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

Mayor Bloomberg finds himself in one of the biggest political fights of his life right now. And no, I'm not talking about this fall's mayoral election -- I'm referring to his battle to retain control over the city school system. Bloomberg's power is set to expire in June unless state lawmakers act. But Bloomberg has a powerful ally in his corner.

Federal Education Secretary Arne Duncan heaped praise on Bloomberg in our interview today which you can watch in its entirety on "Road to City Hall" tonight.

Duncan, who was once in charge of Chicago's public schools, says his experience taught him that it's better if a single person can be held accountable for an entire school system.

"What's so important is he has had the public courage and the will to take this on. This is a tough issue. Mayor Daley in Chicago will tell you this is the toughest issue he ever tackled, but it's absolutely the right fight. And because our children deserve so much more, you have to have that leadership from the mayor from the top rallying the city behind it," said Duncan.

Duncan would not discuss the extent he is willing to lobby Albany lawmakers on Bloomberg's behalf, but did say that Bloomberg leadership was essential.

"I think by any measure, whether it's graduation rates increasing or test scores increasing or teachers' salaries going up, by any measure, what's gone on for New York City school children under his leadership is absolutely going in the right direction," said Duncan.

To see the complete interview with Arne Duncan, and learn about his plan to reform the controversial No Child Left Behind Act, watch "Road to City Hall" tonight at 7 and 10 p.m.