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A guest appearance by Mayor Bloomberg in the Department of Education’s weekly email update to principals makes no mention of last week’s biggest news: the firing of Chancellor Cathie Black.

Taking over the space usually occupied by a message from the chancellor, Bloomberg focuses instead — just as he did when he announced Black’s departure last week — on the man he selected to replace Black, Dennis Walcott. In the letter, which accompanied a long list of logistical announcements, Bloomberg summarizes Walcott’s involvement in the city schools and emphasizes that Walcott’s mission is to continue the mayor’s education priorities and policies.

“With every decision we make, Dennis brings to the table his experiences as a teacher, parent, and community leader, as well as his years of experience working closely with you,” Bloomberg writes.

The mayor also slips in praise for principals, some of whom have reported feeling a lack of support while the department has undergone rapid internal changes.

“Our students have no greater champion than Dennis Walcott, and I know that—working with the most talented team of principals in this country—he will help our schools continue the tremendous progress we’ve already made,” Bloomberg writes.

Bloomberg’s full message to principals is below. (more…)