[xtypo_dropcap]N[/xtypo_dropcap]ew York State Education Commissioner David Steiner announced that he has selected a panel to screen Cathleen Black, Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s candidate for the New York City schools chancellor, to determine whether she should be issued a waiver for her lack of educational credentials.
The eight-person panel, which includes individuals from the state’s Education Department and other educational organizations, will be chaired by Columbia University’s President of Teachers College Susan Fuhrman, according to a press release. Steiner will consult with the panel prior to making his decision on whether or not to issue the waiver, which can be given under the pretext of someone being “exceptionally qualified” according to the state law.
Public Advocate Bill de Blasio released a statement on his website calling Steiner’s decision to convene a screening panel a “positive and meaningful step.” He suggested, however, that a public forum with Black should be held to give parents and teachers an opportunity to engage in the process.
The eight-person panel, which includes individuals from the state’s Education Department and other educational organizations, will be chaired by Columbia University’s President of Teachers College Susan Fuhrman, according to a press release. Steiner will consult with the panel prior to making his decision on whether or not to issue the waiver, which can be given under the pretext of someone being “exceptionally qualified” according to the state law.
Public Advocate Bill de Blasio released a statement on his website calling Steiner’s decision to convene a screening panel a “positive and meaningful step.” He suggested, however, that a public forum with Black should be held to give parents and teachers an opportunity to engage in the process.
