Klein Defends School Budget Cut Numbers
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City Comptroller Bill Thompson is accusing Schools Chancellor Joel Klein of inflating claimed budget cuts, but Klein said Saturday it's all a misunderstanding.
Speaking at an annual United Federation of Teachers conference, Klein claims he's been saying the Department of Education trimmed its budget dramatically in recent years.
But Thompson said Klein is twisting the numbers.
This week, the chancellor wrote a letter to defend himself, but the letter had a major math error in it.
Klein said it was an honest mistake, but Thompson redoubled his attacks.
The schools chancellor said he hopes they can work it all out.
"I just think, I just think his numbers don't add up, that's all," said Klein. "And I've sent him a letter to that effect, and we're happy we're gonna be able to staff and show him why that is."
Thompson responded in a statement, "I have indicated previously that the [DOE] appears to be engaged in a 'shell game.' Exaggerated claims undermine the Department's credibility."
Klein also said he's working on new solutions to school overcrowding in difficult economic times.
He would not comment on speculation that he might be asked to serve as secretary of education under Barack Obama.