Saturday, April 9, 2011

Queens Teacher: More of the Same

Queens Teacher: More of the Same

More of the Same

On Incoming Chancellor’s First Day, a Hot Seat Before the City Council
By FERNANDA SANTOS

Dennis M. Walcott started his first full day as the city’s chancellor-appointee walking his grandson into Public School 36 in St. Albans, Queens. Less than two hours later, he was greeted with hugs and congratulations when he appeared at a City Council budget hearing.

By the time the questioning began, though, it was clear that the honeymoon would not last.

“You should be congratulated,” Councilwoman Letitia James said. “But today the reality sets in.”

Mr. Walcott, the deputy mayor appointed Thursday to replace Cathleen P. Black, was forced to defend proposed