The legislation is a result of public outcry over Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s appointment of Cathleen Black as schools chancellor in November. Weprin argues that a public hearing and council vote would give parents and teachers a say before future chancellors are approved, avoiding the backlash.
"The enactment of this bill would stimulate an open dialogue between all interested and affected parties to ensure a thorough and balanced selection process for the leader of the largest school system in the country," declared Assemblyman Weprin in a statement.
Black was appointed for her business acumen acquired through a distinguished publishing career. She lacks the education experience required of a schools chancellor. She was denied a waiver to get around this requirement by a panel of educators. State Education Commissioner David Steiner ended up granting her a waiver anyway.
Bloomberg and Steiner have defended Black’s capability while facing a backlash of continued protests and even lawsuits. Steiner pointed out when granting the waiver that Black would have many advisers with the required education experience. He argued that her managerial skills and innovative thinking will be assets as head of the vast school system—a system in need of change.
Weprin argues that the process of Black’s appointment was neither transparent enough, nor democratic enough. He hopes to find support for a bill he says will remedy this problem. State Sen. Tony Avella of Queens and City Council Education Committee Chairman Robert Jackson were among the bill’s supporters.
“This bill will broaden the base for decisions and increase public scrutiny of this critical selection process," said Jackson.
