A 10-member panel appointed by the state education commissioner voted unanimously on Wednesday to recommend that Dennis Walcott be appointed New York City Schools Chancellor.
The panel met for two hours in Albany to consider whether Walcott deserved a waiver from state education law because he lacks the necessary superintendent's license. Walcott is a deputy mayor who previously ran the New York Urban League, and was a former Board of Education member. The Queens native has a master's in education and social work and taught kindergarten for a year and a half.
The panel's chairwoman, Eastchester Schools Superintendent Marilynn Terranova, issued a statement saying it was clear that Walcott is "exceptionally qualified" and therefore deserving of the waiver.
Education Commissioner David Steiner will now consider the panel's recommendation before making a final decision.
Steiner previously granted a waiver to publishing executive Cathie Black, who served as chancellor for just three months before resigning last week. Her waiver was granted on the condition that she elevate a deputy chancellor, Shael Polakow-Suransky, to the role of Chief Academic Officer. Suransky will remain in that position if Walcott takes over as chancellor.
Meanwhile, Walcott has another busy day scheduled for Thursday after meeting Albany lawmakers earlier this week and making the rounds of the media. He'll be visiting Francis Lewis High School in Queens in the morning, will celebrate "Poem in Your Pocket" day at the New York Public Library's Bryant Park Reading Room, and hold a town hall in Brooklyn's school district 21.
Comments [1]
Gdaften an congrat on yr new appointd assignm as school chancellor. yes the nyc public school system is terrible with unqualified and not enough education to teach our children so how will they pass these required exams if they are nt receivg proper education from school. I went to public school thats when the teachers cared. I would like to volunteer, gt on the board or somethg. u may call me at 646_377_6052.these are the children of the future.
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.