Chalk one up for Bill Thompson.
The city teachers union is putting its significant manpower and money behind Thompson in the race for mayor.
The former comptroller and Board of Education president got the official nod from the United Federation of Teachers late yesterday after emerging as the heavy favorite to win the powerful union’s coveted backing.
Thompson has echoed a number of UFT positions on education policy — including support for lowering class sizes and opposition to school closures and the placement of charter schools in public buildings without community input.
Standing with UFT chief Michael Mulgrew at the union’s downtown headquarters post-endorsement, Thompson suggested as mayor he would revive the UFT’s expired 2009 contract — with salary hikes.
“Our teachers deserve raises, and the fact that they’ve gone four years without a contract is irresponsible on the part of the mayor,” he said.
Public Advocate Bill de Blasio had been seen as the other top contender for the UFT backing.
His campaign spokesman declined to comment.