Impartiality of Panel Screening Cathie Black Called into Question Updated 57 mins ago
Critics of the mayor's pick for schools chancellor say a panel set to vet her appointment has too many City Hall ties.
By Jill Colvin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UPPER EAST SIDE — Critics of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's controversial choice for schools chancellor are calling into question the independence of a state-picked panel that will convene Tuesday to determine whether she is qualified for the job.
Hearst Magazines president Cathie Black, the mayor's choice to replace Joel Klein, needs a waiver from the state because she has no educational experience — a requirement for the chancellor position.
But a growing number of good-government groups and schools advocates say the make-up of the eight-member advisory panel appointed by State Education Commissioner David Steiner leaves little doubt that Black will be approved.
Critics point out that a majority of panel members have some connection with the Bloomberg administration.
At least three panel members used to work for the city under Klein.
Panel member Michele Cahill, now vice-president at the Carnegie Corporation of New York, was once senior counselor to the city's chancellor for education policy, while Andres Alonso, now the CEO of Baltimore’s schools, served at the city’s deputy chancellor for Teaching and Learning. Jean-Claude Brizard, superintendent of the
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