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News From Senate President Pro Tempore Malcolm A. Smith
Malcolm A. Smith
November 10, 2010
“I want to be one of the first to thank Joel Klein for his commitment and
dedication to our children during his tenure as schools chancellor. I can
say from experience that no matter when I called he was always quick to
respond or meet whether the issue was charter schools or public school
safety. But like many New Yorkers I must admit I was surprised by Mayor
Michael Bloomberg's choice of Catherine Black as Schools Chancellor. While
I am concerned that she does not have a background in education, I am also
encouraged that she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from
corporate America that can benefit our children. With the help of our
teachers, who I believe are the best in the nation, our new schools
chancellor will be challenged with reforming an antiquated school system
that simply must do better if our children and country are to compete in
the rapidly changing global marketplace of the 21st century. And let's be
honest, this is not an easy task. Former Chancellor Klein started the
painful process of reforming our schools with the weight of full mayoral
control. Now that work must be continued. While I am a staunch supporter of
charter schools, our public schools must continue to receive the attention
and resources to improve. This is not about pedigree or personalities but
the ability to produce results for our children. I commend our new schools
chancellor for taking on this difficult challenge of transforming our
schools, students and test scores into the best in the nation. But more
than wishing her good luck we must all accept this challenge of educating
our children.”
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Additional Senate news available at http://nysenate.gov
New York State Senate | SenatePresident.News@senate.state.ny.us
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