I Really Did Think It Was the Right Time,’ Klein Says

Javier Hernandez

During his eight years at the helm of New York City public schools, Joel I. Klein emerged as one of the city’s most divisive figures. On Tuesday, he announced that he would step out of the limelight to become an executive vice president responsible for education and technology at Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation.
In a telephone interview shortly after announcing his resignation, Mr. Klein reflected on his time leading the country’s largest school system and the frustrations and triumphs of his tenure.
Here is a transcript of the interview, condensed and edited for space.
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