For Pick to Lead Schools, One Man Left to Persuade
By WINNIE HU
Published: November 11, 2010
The man who will decide whether Cathleen P. Black, a publisher with no educational leadership experience, is qualified to lead the nation’s largest school system is himself a career educator known for his efforts to better prepare teachers for the classroom.
Nathaniel Brooks for The New York Times
David M. Steiner, the state education commissioner, at a hearing in Albany in January. He started in the job in October 2009.
Related
Big School Problems Await New Chancellor (November 12, 2010)
Times Topic: Cathleen P. Black
But David M. Steiner, the New York State education commissioner, is also a well-regarded figure among the school reform movement, whose guiding principle is that American students are best served by a results-driven, businesslike approach to education management.
In the debate over Ms. Black’s qualifications — or lack of them — Dr. Steiner has quickly emerged as a focal point in what is widely expected to be a contentious process. State law requires all school chiefs to hold a professional certificate in educational leadership and to have at least three years’ experience in schools, two qualifications she lacks. The law allows for the education commissioner to grant a waiver to “exceptionally qualified persons.”
Big School Problems Await New Chancellor
By SHARON OTTERMAN
Published: November 11, 2010
In introducing herself this week to a surprised city as the next New York City schools chancellor, Cathleen P. Black asked for the one thing that may prove to be impossible.
Ruth Fremson/The New York Times
Cathleen P. Black, chairwoman of Hearst Magazines, was named this week by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg to replace Joel I. Klein, New York City's schools chancellor since 2002.
Related
Times Topic: Cathleen P. Black
For Pick to Lead Schools, One Man Left to Persuade (November 12, 2010)
City Room: New Chancellor’s Political Donations (November 11, 2010)
Schools Chief Has Much in Common With Boss (November 10, 2010)
“I have no illusion about this being an easy next three years — quite the opposite,” said Ms. Black, a publishing executive without political or education leadership experience. “But what I ask for is your patience, as I get up to speed on the issues facing K-12 education.”
But there will be no cushy learning period for Ms. Black.