By Elizabeth Ling, DFER NY State Director
Mayor Bloomberg’s decision to replace NYC schools chancellor Cathie Black with Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott is a clear example of mayoral control working as it was intended: to ensure accountability and enable decisive action in support of New York’s children. The Mayor responded quickly and directly to public dissatisfaction with Ms. Black’s performance and tapped Mr. Walcott, who brings both vision and a strong background to the job.
Dennis Walcott is a product of the city’s public schools, where his children were educated and where his grandchildren are still in school. As a former public school teacher himself, he knows what’s required to educate children successfully.
His appointment should give parents, teachers and administrators the confidence that their hopes and concerns are being heard – and that’s exactly why DFER supports mayoral control. The public made its views known, and the mayor was able to make a major change swiftly. We’re looking forward to working with Dennis Walcott to continue New York City’s education reform progress.
Elizabeth Ling oversees strategy and operations for DFER’s New York State advocacy programs. She focuses on building coalitions of various education reform groups, and works with legislators and government officials to help shape public education policies.