Albany Judge Hears Arguments Challenging Black's Appointment as Schools Chancellor

A judge in Albany Thursday heard three lawsuits on behalf of 16 New York City parents and one teacher, who are claiming the state education commissioner acted illegally in approving publishing executive Cathie Black as Schools Chancellor.

The hearing took a total of three hours. Scott Waldman, education reporter for the Albany Times Union, said the first lawsuit was argued by Park Slope parent and lawyer Eric Snyder, who was "picking apart the case law" which states that the head of a school district must have multiple degrees.

"He says if you look at the language the masters is required or its equivalent and she has neither," said Waldman.

Snyder was joined in the courtroom by his two children.  Another lawyer, representing two parents, argued that Black's experience as a publishing executive didn't provide her with an adequate knowledge of education curriculum. The third lawsuit claimed it was illegal for the state education commissioner to make up for Black's deficits in education by allowing her to serve with a second-in-command Chief Academic Officer. Thirteen parents from around the city and one teacher had joined that suit and several of them attended the hearing.

But an assistant state attorney general argued that Black's long track record managing newspapers and magazines gave her enough experience to make up for not having traditional education credentials.

Judge Gerald Connolly gave no indication of when he'd decide the cases, except to note that he is sensitive to the timing. Black is due to take office January 3.