Assemblywoman Vanessa L. Gibson Opposes ‘Let’s Make A Deal’ Approach to Granting a Waiver for the Appointment of Cathleen P. Black as Chancellor of New York City’s Schools

November 24, 2010

Taking a leadership role on a key education issue that will affect the lives of more than a million children, Assemblywoman Vanessa L. Gibson (D-Bronx) is expressing grave concern today about the possibility that state Education Commissioner David M. Steiner may grant a waiver allowing for the appointment of Cathleen P. Black as Chancellor of the New York City public school system. Her reaction comes in the wake of widespread news reports that the Commissioner may be willing to support granting a waiver for Black if certain conditions are met.

“The appointment of a new Chancellor will have a direct impact upon the direction of the nation’s largest school system at a critical time and affect the quality of education for more than a million children especially those in communities like mine in the Bronx,” Assemblywoman Gibson said. “This is not the time to compromise on who will lead New York’s schools or to adopt a ‘Let’s Make A Deal’ approach regarding the person who will be leading public education in our City.”

"I am deeply concerned about the prospect of a candidate without previous comprehensive educational or professional teaching experience becoming Chancellor," Assemblywoman Gibson said. “We should not be in the business of making any kind of ‘special arrangements’ that could compromise the quality of education for our children.

“New York’s families deserve better,” Assemblywoman Gibson said.

Assemblywoman Gibson’s comments come after she joined several state and city elected officials at a press conference held to outline their opposition to the granting of a waiver for the appointment of Cathleen P. Black as Chancellor of the New York Department of Education. Black has no previous experience working in education.

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