PETITION CLOSED

  • The time period for signing this petition has ended.
Our battle is not over!
  1. Signatures
    967 out of 1,000
    Petitioning
    1. The NY State Senate (+ 8 others)
      Petitioning
      close
      • The NY State Senate
      • The NY State House
      • State Sen. Dean Skelos (NY-009)
      • State Sen. Eric Adams (NY-020)
      • State Rep. Sheldon Silver (NY-064)
      • State Sen. John Sampson (NY-019)
      • State Rep. Marcos Crespo (NY-085)
      • Board of Regents
      • Commissioner, NYS Education Department (David M. Steiner)
  2. Created By
    NYC Kids Pac
    Afghanistan
About this Petition Petition Letter

Our battle is not over! Send a new message to Commissioner Steiner to reject Cathie Black's nomination --even if there's an educator as number two.

The members of an advisory panel appointed by Commissioner Steiner have now voted against magazine executive Cathie Black being granted a waiver to become NYC schools Chancellor. They listened to the voices of parents, educators, and the majority of New Yorkers, who believe that she has none of the qualifications needed to lead the nation's largest school system.  Yet our battle is not over.  Commissioner Steiner has suggested that he may still grant a waiver for Ms. Black if the Mayor agrees to appoint an educator in the number two position.

This is not acceptable.  We need a seasoned educator at the helm, with a record of achievement in running and improving schools.  

Sign this new petition, which automatically sends a message to Commissioner Steiner.  

Recent Signatures

Denial of Waiver for Cathleen Black as NYC Chancellor

Dear Commissioner Steiner:

Your own advisory panel voted against recommending a waiver for Cathie Black to become NYC Schools Chancellor. According to the Quinnipiac poll, New Yorkers believe by a 2-1 margin that she is unqualified for the job. More than 13,000 parents and concerned citizens signed petitions urging you to reject her. We do not believe that simply requiring that the mayor appoint a “a chief academic officer” with an education background as her top aide is good enough.

We need someone with the credentials, the experience, and the passion for public education to lead NYC schools. We need someone who understands what real teaching and learning is about, and who will listen to parents, support teachers, and work with communities to move our schools forward. Our children deserve no less.

We urge you to reject Cathie Black as Chancellor, and to ask the Mayor to appoint a seasoned educator instead.

[Your name]

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