The appointment of Cathleen P. Black as the next New York City schools chancellor was upheld on Wednesday by a judge in Albany, clearing the way for her to start as scheduled next week.
Justice Gerald W. Connolly of State Supreme Court in Albany dismissed three lawsuits that sought to overturn her appointment, finding in a 25-page ruling that the state education commissioner was within his authority to excuse Ms. Black from the academic credentials normally required for the post.
Justice Connolly wrote that the decision by David M. Steiner, the education commissioner, “fully weighs the qualifications of Ms. Black, including the alleged deficiencies in her background and experience, in light of the unique nature of the district, and reaches a conclusion based on a careful consideration of all the relevant factors.”
In oral arguments last week, lawyers representing some New York City public school parents said that Mr. Steiner was wrong to excuse her lack of a master’s degree and that a compromise to place a strong academic deputy at her side could not legally compensate for her lack of experience in teaching and academics.
The state and city defended the appointment, citing her successful 40-year career in publishing, during which she managed large organizations and budgets, most recently as the chairwoman of Hearst Magazines.
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg came under wide criticism for the secretive search that led to her appointment, and for his decision to choose a chancellor without education credentials.
“Cathie has been working hard and is ready to hit the ground running on Monday, her first official day on the job,” Mr. Bloomberg said in a statement.
The plaintiffs said they were disappointed in the result, and Eric J. Snyder, who brought one of the suits on behalf of his two school-age children, said he planned to appeal.
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