The Times reports state Education Commissioner David Steiner has “deep” concerns about Cathie Black and intends to deny her waiver to become NYC schools chancellor unless Mayor Bloomberg agrees to appoint a chief academic officer as her No. 2.

Additionally, the eight-member panel of education experts, a number of whom came under fire over the past 24 hours for having ties to Bloomberg, has voted against granting Black’s waiver, which is necessary if she is to succeed outgoing Chancellor Joel Klein.

Gotham Schools reports SED officials confirmed four panel members voted against granting the waiver, two voted in favor, and two voted “not at this time.” No details were immediately available on which members voted how.

The final decision rests with Steiner, and, as per the Times story, things aren’t looking good there.

UPDATE: Now there’s a statement from Steiner in response to the panel’s vote:

“I want to thank all of the members for the advisory panel for the seriousness of purpose which they brought to their evaluation of Ms. Black’s qualifications for a school district leader’s certificate.”

“I will weigh their advice and insight as I consider the decision before me.”

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