Duncan: Black Has Potential To Be "Fantastic Leader"
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan says he'll do whatever he can to support Cathie Black as she becomes the city's new schools chancellor.
Duncan met with Black inside the Hearst Tower Thursday where they talked about a number of education issues, including the city's plan to implement the state's winning "Race to the Top" proposal.
Asked whether Black would be handicapped by her lack of education experience, Duncan said there are challenges whether you're a conventional or unconventional leader.
"She, like anyone else has a learning curve," Duncan said. "She's smart, she's committed, she has a great team and this is not just about Cathie. It's about the entire city rallying to make this the best urban public school system in the country, and I think she has the potential to be a fantastic leader here."
Duncan did not address the three lawsuits pending to block the appointment. However, he did say it was important to rely on educators and leaders from the business community to build a diverse team with a diverse set of skills.