Dennis Walcott
Dennis M. Walcott (born September 7, 1951) is the former Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education. He succeeded Cathie Black, who resigned in April 2011 after only three months on the job. He was succeeded as chancellor by Carmen Fariña. He is the president and chief executive officer of Queens Public Library.
Dennis M. Walcott | |
|---|---|
| Chair of the New York City Districting Commission | |
| In office March 7, 2022 – December 31, 2022 | |
| Appointed by | Eric Adams |
| Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education | |
| In office April 17, 2011 – December 31, 2013 | |
| Mayor | Michael Bloomberg |
| Preceded by | Cathie Black |
| Succeeded by | Carmen Fariña |
| Deputy Mayor of New York City for Education | |
| In office January 1, 2002 – April 17, 2011 | |
| Preceded by | position established |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 7, 1951 Queens, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Denise St. Hill |
| Alma mater | University of Bridgeport (B.Ed., M.Ed.) Fordham University (MSW) |
Although Walcott lacks training as a schools administrator, he served nine years as New York City Deputy Mayor for Education and was a member of the NYC Board of Education. He required a waiver from the New York State Education Department under Education Commissioner David M. Steiner. Walcott is a former employee at Amistad Day Care Center and holds a master's degrees in the education field.
Prior to joining Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2002 as Deputy Mayor for Education, he headed the New York chapter of the Urban League. In March 2016, Walcott was selected as president and CEO of the Queens Public Library. and was criticized for overseeing the Library's first branch closure despite increased funding.