Metro

Court rules Black waiver did not violate law

An Albany County Supreme Court judge ruled today that the waiver issued to incoming schools Chancellor Cathie Black to exempt her from the typical education credentials required of superintendents did not violate state law.

But at least one party in three lawsuits challenging the waiver — which was issued last month by State Education Commissioner David Steiner — is planning to appeal the decision.

“It’s very disappointing. for the court to hold that the [chancellor] doesn’t even have to have the experience of the teachers she’s hired to oversee,” said lawyer and parent Eric Synder, who said he’s appealing the ruling.

READ THE FULL RULING HERE

“I think it’s a slap in the face to our students and to the teachers as well,” he said.

Norman Siegel, who represents 13 parents and a teacher in a related lawsuit, said he was mulling his legal options.

For now, however, the ruling clears the way for Black to take over the city’s public schools system on Monday as planned.

The former Hearst Magazines chair was appointed chancellor last month by Mayor Bloomberg – but critics have questioned her lack of an education background ever since.

“This decision should bring an end to the politicking and grandstanding and allow us all to focus on what matters most: continuing to improve the quality of education we offer New York City’s public school children,” said Bloomberg.