NEW YORK—Supreme Court Justice Gerald Connolly upheld Cathleen Black’s appointment as Schools Chancellor on Wednesday.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg was happy to have his choice for the position confirmed, hotly contended as it was.
“[Connolly’s] decision should bring an end to the politicking and grandstanding and allow us all to focus on what matters most: continuing to improve the quality of education we offer New York City’s public school children,” Bloomberg said in a statement.
Connolly heard testimony in three lawsuits last Thursday, contesting Education Commissioner David Steiner’s waiver of education requirements for Black, who does not hold a master’s degree that is required for the position. Steiner granted Black a waiver after a panel of educators had denied it, inciting outrage from some parents and educators.
“The Court does not find that petitioners met their burden of establishing that the Commissioner’s determination that Ms. Black be granted a Certificate despite her lack of a master’s degree was irrational, and, accordingly, not entitled to deference, or an error of law,” wrote Connolly in the 26-page decision, according to DNA Info, an online Manhattan-based publication.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg was happy to have his choice for the position confirmed, hotly contended as it was.
“[Connolly’s] decision should bring an end to the politicking and grandstanding and allow us all to focus on what matters most: continuing to improve the quality of education we offer New York City’s public school children,” Bloomberg said in a statement.
Connolly heard testimony in three lawsuits last Thursday, contesting Education Commissioner David Steiner’s waiver of education requirements for Black, who does not hold a master’s degree that is required for the position. Steiner granted Black a waiver after a panel of educators had denied it, inciting outrage from some parents and educators.
“The Court does not find that petitioners met their burden of establishing that the Commissioner’s determination that Ms. Black be granted a Certificate despite her lack of a master’s degree was irrational, and, accordingly, not entitled to deference, or an error of law,” wrote Connolly in the 26-page decision, according to DNA Info, an online Manhattan-based publication.
