- ‘Ton Avellx jrNew York State Senate November 10, 2010 Hon, David M. Steiner Commissioner of Education New York State Education Department 89 Washington Avenue Albany, New York 12234 Dear Commissioner Steiner: Tam writing in response to the announcement made yesterday by Mayor Michael Bloomberg regarding the nomination of Cathie Black for New York City School Chancellor. While I’m sure that Ms. Black is a very well qualified executive in the magazine industry, the top executive in the New York City school system should be an educator. I firmly believe that the Chancellor should be a person who understands how to develop curriculum, who understands the value of parental involvement, and who understands what principals, teachers and students go through on a daily basis. Ms, Black’s own admissions that she has had no experience in union negotiations and sent her own children to private schools further disqualifies her for this position, I urge you to deny her the waiver which is necessary for someone without education experience. Sincerely, ‘Tony Avella State Senator-Elect, 11" Senate District Tony Avella for New York | 38-50 Bell Boulevard | Suite C | Bayside, NY 11361 | T: 718-747-2137 | F: 718-747-3105