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Parents Oppose NYC Schools Chancellor Choice

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Lawyers representing more than a dozen parents in three lawsuits are urging a state judge to block a magazine executive from becoming New York City schools chancellor starting next week.

The parents of public school students say 66-year-old Cathie Black lacks the required educational experience or academic credentials to be even a teacher, much less direct the 80,000 teachers of 1.1 million students.

Black is chairwoman of Hearst Magazines. Lawyers for New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and state Education Commissioner David Steiner say she has exceptional skills as a manager and leader and deserved a waiver from the usual requirements.

State Supreme Court Acting Justice Gerald Connelly heard the arguments Thursday.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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