After 8 hours of testimony last night, a NYC panel voted to close 19 public schools. The panel was set up to have the final say in education matters—a check to the mayor. Problem is, the mayor appointed 8 of the 13 members. That’s a larger percent of votes than the Democrats have in the Senate! The New York Times reports:

When the State Legislature renewed the mayor’s control over city schools last year, it gave the panel the final word on closures in an effort to increase parents’ participation in the decisions. But in practical terms, the check on mayoral authority was minimal. Eight of the 13 panel members are appointed by the mayor and can be removed at his behest.

The final vote at 2:40 a.m. was 9 to 4 in favor of closing the “failed” schools. Some system we have.