By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-962377.mp3
Albany, NY – New York City Schools Chancellor Cathie Black lost her job Thursday - three months after taking the city's top educational job. She had come under increasing criticism for her lack of education background and a series of missteps. Following a meeting with Mayor Bloomberg Thursday morning, Black was sacked. A few hours later, New York State Education Commissioner David Steiner announced his plans to leave at the end of this school year. He told the Associated Press that his and Black's resignations are not related. Steiner - who granted the waiver that allowed Black to become Chancellor - called the timing a bizarre coincidence.
When Steiner was appointed state Education Commissioner, the NY Charter Schools Association described him as a genius who would not be afraid to look outside the box to find solutions to NY's education challenges. Association Policy Director Peter Murphy......
1 He came on at a time...... in motion
New York State Association of Small City School Districts Executive Director and General Counsel Robert Biggerstaff ......
1 He accomplished ....... or policy
While Steiner will leave at the end of the school year, Cathie Black's departure was immediate. Brooklyn Democratic Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries has been critical of Bloomberg education policies and sued to block the appointment of Black as City Schools Chancellor.....
1 I hope that she was not there ........ area of education
United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew says it doesn't matter who is chancellor of the city's schools - the debacle with Black shows that policies must be changed. Mulgrew sees a 180 degree difference in Commissioner Steiner's approach.....
2 Commissioner Steiner was clear ...... that responsibility
Commissioner Steiner has not revealed why he's leaving his state post and requests for an interview were not answered in time for this broadcast. New York City deputy mayor and former teacher Dennis Walcott has been appointed NYC Schools Chancellor - pending a waiver.