Dennis Walcott approved to become schools chancellor

There's a new chancellor in town: Dennis Walcott.

Education Commissioner David Steiner Thursday approved the waiver that will let Walcott become the schools chancellor of the city's public schools, a day after a screening panel unanimously recommended the approval.

"Walcott's exceptional record of successfully leading complex organizations, his deep knowledge of the New York City School District and the issues and challenges it faces … warrant certification for service," Steiner wrote.

Walcott, 59, replaces ousted former publishing exec Cathie Black, 66, who was ousted after a rocky three months on the job. Walcott needed the waiver because he lacks a superintendent's license.

But not everyone is pleased with the approval, as the Deny the Waiver Coalition — which fought against Black's waiver approval — came out against it. The coalition said regardless of Walcott's qualifications, Mayor Michael Bloomberg wrongfully appointed him because Bloomberg didn't conduct a proper national search.