#NY’s interim education commissioner Shannen Tahoe stepping down

The state’s interim education commissioner is leaving her post next month — just weeks before the uncertain start of the new academic year.

Shannen Tahoe, who filled the role when MaryEllen Elia stepped down last year, will be leaving on Aug. 13.

Officials said a replacement will be named prior to her departure.

“When Ms. Tahoe took over the position, no one could have imagined that a global pandemic was on the horizon,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa. “Ms. Tahoe capably led the Department through one of its most challenging times and proved herself as a dedicated and personable leader.”

State education officials released reopening guidelines last week and Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he will make a final decision on the fraught issue in the first week of August.

City schools are in the process of developing reopening plans, but Mayor Bill de Blasio cautioned that the matter won’t be determined until the cusp of the new year in September.

Both the city teachers and principals unions have criticized City Hall for a lack of direction and safety assurances with coronavirus concerns still swirling.