Senator Golden Statement Urging Commissioner Steiner to Grant Waiver for Cathie Black

Brooklyn- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) today issued the following statement in response to the State Education advisory panel that yesterday voted to recommend denying a waiver that would permit Cathie Black to be appointed as the next New York City public schools chancellor:

“I strongly disagree with the members of the State Education Commissioner’s advisory panel who believe that Cathie Black is undeserving of the waiver necessary in order for her to be named the next schools chancellor. The members obviously didn’t do their homework and research her educational background, her experience and her achievements.

Commissioner David Steiner has an opportunity, on behalf of 1.1 million New York City public school students, to authorize a waiver so to allow Cathie Black to become the next New York City schools chancellor. Not only is Cathie Black qualified to run the New York City Department of Education, I believe she has a resume second to none and hosts extensive managerial experience.

That's what New York City's public schools need in the next Chancellor. They need an individual who is able to understand and work within the complexity of the agency in a manner that will benefit the teachers, principals, staff, families and most importantly the students. Building on the accomplishments of Mayor Bloomberg and Chancellor Klein, Cathie Black will bring our schools to a whole new level.

I recommend Commissioner Steiner authorize a waiver and I look forward to seeing test scores rise, new schools opened and more students achieving their highest potential under Chancellor Black.”