GothamSchools — daily independent reporting on NYC public schools

State Education Commissioner David Steiner is the person who has the final word over whether Cathie Black is permitted as Schools Chancellor Joel Klein’s successor. But the group of people who effectively oversee Steiner are trying to have their say, too.

A number of lawmakers — including Assembly members Marcos Crespo and Deborah Glick, as well as State Senator-elect Tony Avella — have already sent Steiner letters urging him to block Black’s appointment. Others have not gone that far, but are expressing deep misgivings both about Black’s lack of education credentials and the mayor’s abrupt and secretive selection process.

In making their stance, state lawmakers walk a fine line.

On the one hand, the legislature appoints the Board of Regents, who in turn appoint Steiner. And Steiner frequently needs to negotiate with lawmakers, as he has done this year over the charter cap and state budget. Lawmakers’ stances on Black’s appointment therefore matter.

“I think it should [matter],” said Queens Assemblyman David Weprin. “[Steiner is] going to have to deal with the legislature on a myriad of issues, as he has already.”

But at the same time, these are the same lawmakers who extended sole authority over the city schools to Bloomberg last year. (more…)