Nearly 150 New York City school principals got an opportunity to get up close and personal with the new schools chancellor at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus on March 16.
“A Conversation with New York City Schools Chancellor Cathleen P. Black” was part of the Fifth Annual Leadership Conference, sponsored by the Fordham Graduate School of Education’s (GSE) Division of Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy.
“It was a great opportunity for the new schools chancellor to meet many of the principals and to hear some of their concerns,” said John Lee, Ed.D., clinical professor at GSE who chaired the conference. “She seemed open and was eager to learn more about some of the concerns that principals had. It was a good opportunity for the principals who hadn’t met her to hear from her and ask her questions. We were delighted to provide the opportunity.”
James Hennessy, Ph.D., dean of GSE, introduced Black, who spoke to principals and answered their questions for about an hour. Among the concerns brought up by principals were:
- Expediting the removal of unsatisfactory teachers
- Receiving necessary supports in terms of special education/special needs students
- Being provided with more and quicker communication from the central Department of Education so that principals aren’t the last to find out about developments that will impact their schools.
A big concern raised by principals was the issue of student placements—specifically the placement of special need students and students from schools beings closed by the DOE affects the future performance of the schools they are placed in.
The conference included a panel discussion with Gerald Cattaro, Ph.D., ELAP Division Chair; Lester Young, Ed.D., (GSE ’78) Regent-At-Large, The University of the State of New York; Ernest Logan, president of the Council of Supervisors and Administrators; Barbara Kirkweg, principal of Bronx Aerospace High School; Jacqueline Gonzalez, Network Leader NYC Department of Education and Kathy Cashin, Ed.D., clinical professor at GSE who was on March 8 appointed to represent Brooklyn position on the New York State Board of Regents on March 8.
“It was also interesting for the principals gathered to hear comments and reflections on Chancellor Black’s remarks, as well as on other timely issues, from the panel of leaders and policy makers,” said Lee.
The Sussman Sales Company, Inc., was a co-sponsor of the event.
GSE has been educating leaders to make a difference in the lives of children in the fields of teaching, psychological services and educational administration since 1916. It offers more than 40 program options for masters, professional diplomas and doctoral degrees at its Lincoln Center and Westchester campuses.
