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Complete THE ASSEMBLY District Office:
930 Grand Concourse
STATE OF NEW YORK Suite 1E
ALBANY Bronx, New York 10451
(718) 538-2000

Albany Office:
(518) 455-5671

Vanessa L. Gibson
th
Assemblywoman 77 District
Bronx County

November 10, 2010

David M. Steiner
Commissioner
New York State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12234

Dear Commissioner Steiner:

I must take the time to express my growing concern as it relates to the recent appointment by Mayor Michael
Bloomberg of Cathie Black as the incoming Chancellor of the New York City public school system. Along with many
of my colleagues and others who have voiced their opinions, I remain troubled that Cathie Black would assume the role
of Chancellor without neither substantial nor comprehensive educational or professional experience in teaching. During
a critical time in our state and city, the 1.1 million school children in our public school system are the top priority who
deserves access to academic excellence, quality learning and educational opportunities to grow.

It is reasonable to expect that any Chancellor who is appointed to oversee the New York City public school system
should have teaching experience. It is reasonable to expect any Chancellor to have experience in school administration.
It is also reasonable to expect an "exceptionally qualified" appointee to have a level of knowledge, awareness and
understanding of how a public school system of 1.1 million school children operates. As you can understand, it is also
reasonable to request that the Board of Regents and the State Education Department fully considers the long term
impact another Chancellor who lacks sufficient educational experience will have on the academic future of our school
children.

As legislators and education professionals dedicated to the vision that every child should have access to a quality
education, we may have different approaches to reach this vision however, we must find common ground that allows
our young people the greatest opportunities to fulfill their talents, maximize their skills and explore the endless
possibilities that life has to offer. I respectfully ask you to consider denying the waiver for the appointment of Cathie
Black as the Chancellor of the NYC public school system. Furthermore, I believe the process of granting waivers to
justify non-educational experience with exceptionally qualified applicants warrants future discussions as to the criteria
being used for Chancellor appointments.

I look forward to your prompt response.

Respectfully,

Vanessa L. Gibson
Member of Assembly
77th District, Bronx County

ALBANY OFFICE: 818 LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BLDG.

ALBANY, NEW YORK 12248

DISTRICT OFFICE: 930 GRAND CONCOURSE, SUITE 1E

BRONX, NEW YORK 10451

E-MAIL: gibsonv@assembly.state.ny.us