Koslowitz Expresses Faith In Walcott

as Schools Chancellor, City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, D-Forest Hills, reminded constituents that she is fully committed to ensuring that students in the city have the best possible education, regardless of who is running the show.

When Black was . Citing the fact that Black sent her own children to private schools, Koslowitz said she’d work closely with the new chancellor to ensure city public schools would not miss a beat.

Now, with Black’s early departure, Koslowitz said she is prepared again to help in the transition of new Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott.

"I have known Dennis Walcott for a long time. His dedication and commitment to public education gives him the needed tools to lead the DOE,” Koslowitz said. “I look forward to working with him to ensure that our schools are properly funded and that the voices of  students, parents and communities are heard at City Hall."

Koslowitz also added that she would fight vigorously to ensure that school funding would not be cut in the city’s upcoming budget negotiations.

If Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s current budget proposals are ratified,

“As we face one of the most grim education budgets that I can remember, we need to make sure that students are not shortchanged,” she said. “I strongly believe that in light of the Chancellor’s departure, the administration must not jeopardize our public schools during this process.   I’ve said it time and time again: We cannot balance the budget off the backs of our kids.