Backs VP As Successor
CSA's Levy Stepping Down

By HOWARD MEGDAL

The leader of the Principals' union, Jill S. Levy, who has fought an acrimonious but so far unsuccessful battle to win a contract with Mayor Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein, will not seek re-election, ending a seven-year tenure on Jan. 31, 2007.

'THEY DIDN'T BEAT ME DOWN': Council of Supervisors and Administrators President Jill Levy, who didn't endear herself to Mayor Bloomberg with some derisive comments to a magazine reporter a year ago, said she took pride in being the first female president of the union, adding, 'I wouldn't let the men beat me down. And they tried.'

With nominations due this month for the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators election, Ms. Levy said it was a good time to announce a decision she'd made three years ago, upon her election to her second full term.

Backing Her Up

She'd shared her decision at that time with Executive Vice President Ernest Logan and First Vice President Peter McNally. Mr. Logan announced he is running for president, and Mr. McNally for executive vice president, and Ms. Levy said she supported them both.

"I knew I'd been with CSA in different capacities for 17 years," Ms. Levy said in an Oct. 19 phone interview. "It's always important for any organization to have new leadership, renewed energy and a new perspective on things. And I needed a new perspective, too."

Ms. Levy was elected president of CSA's parent organization, the American Federation of School Administrators, earlier this year, and plans to focus her attention on that role. Previously, she had been splitting her time between the CSA and AFSA offices in Washington.

She said her hope is to build what she built at CSA, "a sustainable and professional organization that serves our members well." She pointed to the union's public relations staff, leadership institute, and field service team as her proudest innovations.

Succeeded Singer

She took over as CSA president in January of 2000 when her predecessor of 11 years, Donald Singer, resigned the week CSA's last contract was approved by members. Ms. Levy went on to win election in her own right that December.

"I am the first woman president of AFSA, and I was the first woman president of CSA," Ms. Levy said. "I'm very proud of that. I wouldn't let the men beat me down. And they tried."

She had nothing but praise for Mr. McNally and Mr. Logan, the men she hopes will succeed her.

"I believe they are wonderful, capable people. They are both very experienced, both have been at the table, and they are very responsive," she said.

Unhappy With Klein

Her disillusionment with Chancellor Joel I. Klein and the city could scarcely be greater, she said. CSA members have been working under an expired contract since July 1, 2003, and the union recently filed for fact-finding with the state Public Employment Relations Board to try to resolve the stalemate.

"I'm very discouraged by the fact that the Chancellor has gone public with his issues, and really has been divisive within and outside of the union," she said. "He has no respect for experience, and doesn't value our leaders. I'm very disillusioned by people who come to the negotiating table and don't know how to negotiate."

When asked about Ms. Levy's decision not to seek reelection, the Chancellor responded, "Obviously that is up to her and CSA. I certainly respect her decision."

She blanched when asked what she will be remembered for at the union, saying "I'm very uncomfortable discussing my legacy. When you're involved in it you can't see it - you're making it up as you go along."

She promised that between now and the end of her term, she would continue to fight for her members. "I won't be a lame duck," Ms. Levy said. "Or a chicken."