Res. No. 556
Resolution calling on the New York State Education Commissioner to deny Cathleen P. Black a waiver to become the next Chancellor of the New York City public school system.
By Council Members Williams, Jackson, Barron, Chin, Dromm, Fidler, Lander, Rose, Vann, Weprin, Palma, James, Mark-Viverito and Mendez
Whereas, The New York City school system is the largest in the United States serving approximately 1.1 million students in about 1,700 schools; and
Whereas, New York City students come from a diverse array of cultures and backgrounds with varying needs and skills; and
Whereas, New York City's children are the future of our City and receive only one shot at their childhood education and deserve the best we can give; and
Whereas, Many of New York City's students in economically depressed neighborhoods have limited options and it is critical that we address their needs with an open mind and in a caring school system; and
Whereas, We are at a critical time in this City when we can choose to move in a more positive direction and take steps to address the glaring disparities currently facing many of the students within the public schools; and
Whereas, With the resignation of Joel Klein, the Mayor's surprise appointment of Cathleen Black as New York City Chancellor, without the input of parents, educators, and communities, has set an insensitive tone for the needs of the very people the New York City Department of Education (DOE) is charged with serving; and
Whereas, Although the New York City DOE is under Mayoral control, New York City school's are still governed by New York State Education Law; and
Whereas, State Education Law mandates that the Chancellor meets certain requirements; and
Whereas, According to Section 3003 of the State Education Law, the candidate should have a valid superintendents' certificate, have completed certain graduate level work and have taught for three years; and
Whereas, Additionally, Section 3003 of State Education Law allows a waiver to be granted to a candidate who does not meet such requirements but whose "exceptional training and experiences are the substantial equivalent of such requirements;" and
Whereas, The current appointee, Ms. Black has none of the necessary qualifications, comes from a media background, and does not have any roots in the system-wide education of children; and
Whereas, The children of this City deserve to be treated with respect in a school system where student needs are met, where parent concerns are heard, and where educational standards are maintained and exceeded; and
Whereas, While the New York City school system is complicated to manage, it cannot be run solely as a business, and we cannot forget that education should be about the children, their families and communities; and
Whereas, The people of New York City want a Chancellor with experience, character and qualifications that are well suited for the education of children and not merely the management of a corporation; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Education Commissioner to deny Cathleen P. Black a waiver to become the next Chancellor of the New York City public school system.
JP
LS 1767
11/12/10