After more than eight years running New York City’s public schools, Chancellor Joel Klein is stepping down. And, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Klein’s surprising replacement.
It was a stunning decision from City Hall. Mayor Bloomberg replaced Klein, his partner in education reform, with a person who has lots of business credentials but not many education credentials.
“Joel has implemented innovative changes that have made an enormous difference in the lives of millions of children,” Bloomberg said.
From the very beginning of his mayoralty, Bloomberg and Klein have been partners in revamping education in New York City. They ended social promotion, increased graduation rates, and raised math and reading scores. But after almost nine years at the helm, Klein was ready for a change. The mayor obliged but his choice was somewhat unorthodox. Cathie Black, a magazine and newspaper magnate, chaired Hearst magazines and created USA Today, is the new chancellor of New York City schools.
“She is brilliant. She is innovative. She is driven. And she is just as passionate about helping children succeed as I am,” Bloomberg said.
Black said she has four goals, including making sure kids become tech savvy and forging partnerships with businesses, universities and non profits to create jobs for graduates.
“I promise you that we will continue the mission of improving the school experience for our students, so that they, too, will be prepared to participate fully in global community,” Black said.
Klein seemed excited by his new job as an executive VP at Newscorp, but said he was sad to be leaving. He told parents he gave it his all to improve things for their kids.
“I thank you for putting your trust in me and I want you to know I gave it my all. Or, as they say in sports, I left it all out on the field,” Klein said.
Klein will be staying on for at least a month to help with the transition.
(CBS 2/WCBS 880/1010 WINS)
does she have her own children?? What do we know about her?