Brooklyn's Progress
August 2002

Deputy Mayor of Policy Dennis Walcott addressed a gathering of over 120 business leaders and educators from Brooklyn at the Chamber’s annual Business-Education Breakfast on July 11th. Councilman Martin Golden (R) hosted the event at the Bay Ridge Manor. The Deputy Mayor spoke passionately about the current education system and stated that we are setting up our children for failure if left unattended. He complimented District 20 for the improvements in test scores and credited the improvement to sound leadership. He dispelled all rumors that the new Chancellor has already been selected. The Mayor, said Walcott is working hard at improving education for the over 1 million children in New York City. Both Deputy Mayor Walcott and the Mayor are interested in talking about the best way to approach changes in the Board. They are looking to have a Chancellor in place by the beginning of the school year. Deputy Mayor Walcott thanked the Chamber and its Members for their work individually and as an organization for their work with education. He then thanked the US Army Recruiting Stations present at the event for their work with the Junior ROTC Programs, and described how well it helped his own daughter, who attends public school. With increased parental involvement, and the involvement of businesses in education, the Deputy Mayor felt that we are on the right track. Companies can help by encouraging their employees to participate more actively with their children’s schools. He said that we must all be held accountable parents, teachers, City and students. The Deputy Mayor is meeting with the Borough President of Brooklyn to get his appointment for the Committee on Policy. The structure of the Policy Panel is being restructured with the Chancellor acting as Chair, giving advice on policy and budget. Following the Deputy Mayor’s address was a question and answer session moderated by Kenneth Adams, President of the Chamber. Among those present were several college Presidents, High School Principals, representatives from the United Federation of Teachers and the US Army. Elected Officials present included Assembly Members Adele Cohen, Joan Millman and Peter Abbate, and Senator Vincent Gentile. Marianne Teta, Director of Community Relations – Verizon, the Co-Chair of the Chamber’s Business-Education Committee thanked Brian Cosgrove of SIAC, for his leadership of that Committee over the past several years and announced the date of the next meeting. Sponsors for the event were Citibank, Con Edison, Courier-Life Publications, KeySpan Corporation, Pfizer Inc., SIAC and Verizon.