Department of Education taps new deputy commissioner to deal with public
Originally Published:Tuesday, April 27th 2010, 9:12 AM
Updated: Tuesday, April 27th 2010, 9:46 AM
Updated: Tuesday, April 27th 2010, 9:46 AM
Chancellor Joel Klein has tapped a veteran deputy chancellor as the new "chief of community engagement" - an apparent response to critics who say the department ignores parents.The Department of Education is discovering its warm and fuzzy side.Santiago Taveras, who was the deputy chancellor of teaching, will continue to earn $199,000 a year in the new post.
Waves of angry parents have emerged in recent hearings about the city's plans to close schools and squeeze new ones into the same buildings as existing schools.
Last month, a judge upheld a suit that charged the city violated public notification procedures when it tried to shutter 19 poorly performing schools.
"It's an area we can do better in," department spokesman David Cantor said yesterday.
The job is part of a reshuffling of top DOE officials that will cost close to $500,000.
Sharon Greenberger leave her post as president of School Construction Authority to take over as COO. Her new salary has not been determined but will be at least $193,000.
Former principal Marc Sternberg is being hired at $192,000 as one of eight deputy