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David Steiner can determine the legacy and the future of the mayor, in his heart of hearts he cannot approve of Black, but, power brokers whisper you don’t want Bloomberg as an enemy ..sleepless nights for a decent, caring guy.

Next, if Black is given a go, then, perhaps all those who potentially want to work with NYC school children but have other impediments, such as criminal records (ranging from shoplifting, to murder and even more disturbing offenses) will be allowed to ‘teach’ with a special ‘dispensation’/waiver, from NYSDept of Ed?  

Our Supreme Leader is daring and as egotistical with this move as many madmen before him.

Peter, powerbrokers or not powerbrokers should not even be an issue.  Nothing short of a denial, will probably doom NYSED from what little educational credibility they have left, regardless, not that they have much left of it anyway.  

I have to wonder, if this goes through, about the ramifications for school districts throughout the state. The precedent would, theoretically, allow any school board to appoint any chosen political crony as superintendent and then ask for a waiver. The waiver could become the norm, not the exception. And isn’t this the type of situation the reason why a good many of our state education laws were written in the first place?

“For example, Bloomberg argues that Black’s experience starting a digital media unit at Hearst shows that she can help schools teach students more technologically advanced skills and improve the way that schools track and improve student progress.”

Hmm… assigning experts in computer technology to transform magazines to a digital format is the same thing as doing it herself thus making her an expect on technology. Good for her. And obviously being able to turn on a computer makes her an expert in statistics and data interpretation too. I heard she can leap small buildings in a single bound.

“He also contends that because Black saw Hearst through financial challenges that precipitated layoffs and the closure of struggling magazines, she will be prepared to handle the steep budget reductions city schools will likely face in the next year.”

Children First! Let’s start the layoffs and building closures! So this is what she’s really an expert in then! Firing teachers across the board and closing down public schools – heck why not? She never needed a public school in her life.