Melissa joined Council Members and State electeds in opposing Mayor Bloomberg’s appointment of Cathie Black to replace Joel Klein as the new Chancellor of NYC public schools. Ms. Black, who currently serves as the head of Hearst Magazines and had worked entirely in the private sector, has no experience as an educator or working in public service. Be sure to participate in our poll below!
Photo from the press conference held outside of the Tweed Courthouse (DOE Headquarters).
Because she lacks the qualifications set out under State law, the State Education Commissioner, David Steiner, must grant a waiver to Ms. Black before she can serve as Chancellor. Melissa has signed on to several letters and a City Council resolution calling for the waiver not to be granted.
Ms. Black’s selection has also been criticized due to the lack of public process behind Mayor Bloomberg’s decision. Council Members have called for public hearings where she can put forth her plans for the education system and make her case for why she should be the next Chancellor.
Meanwhile, Mayor Bloomberg is defending his pick, saying that her business experience will make her an effective manager of the city’s school system.
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