For School Plan Support, Mayor Goes to Church

Days after more than a thousand parents, teachers, and civic leaders rallied to protest Mayor Bloomberg's education overhaul, Mayor Bloomberg visited Sunday services at two predominantly African-American churches in Queens to seek their backing for his plan to change the way schools are funded.

He also sought support for his appointment of the Department of Education's chief family engagement officer, Martine Guerrier.

Joining the mayor in the pews during the speeches were Schools Chancellor Joel Klein and Ms. Guerrier.

The mayor told congregants that he expected a lot of "yelling and screaming" from critics who oppose the renewal of mayoral control of the schools. After the midday speeches, the mayor participated in St. Patrick's Day parades in Queens and Staten Island.