Mayor Bloomberg names publishing exec to head schools

Mayor Michael Bloomberg named a top publishing executive with no background in education to head the nation's largest school system after announcing Tuesday that New York City's longtime chancellor was stepping down.

Hearst Magazines chairwoman Cathie Black will become the first female chancellor of the city's 1.1-million-student school system, replacing Joel I. Klein, who has served as chancellor since 2002.

Klein is leaving to become an executive vice president at News Corp.

Bloomberg praised Black, a Chicago native who spent eight years at USA Today as president, publisher, board member and Gannett Co. executive vice president, as a "world-class manager." The billionaire mayor, who often eschews traditional resumes for government posts, said Black's business skills make her an ideal leader of educators and students.

"She understands that we have to make sure that our kids have the skill sets to partake in the great American dream," Bloomberg said.

The appointment will require a waiver from the state Department of Education because Black is not a certified teacher. The mayor said Klein will stay on until the end of the year.

As chancellor, Klein often clashed with unions and with parent groups that complained of being denied a role in running the schools.

"Many parents will be glad to see Joel Klein leave as chancellor, who had no respect for their views or priorities," said Leonie Haimson, who leads a parent advocacy group called Class Size Matters.

Ernest Logan, the president of the union that represents New York City principals, said Klein "had a rocky road" as chancellor but learned on the job.

- AP