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Eva Moskowitz Won't Take Trump Job In Order to 'Keep Eyes' on De Blasio

By  Kathleen Culliton and Amy Zimmer | November 17, 2016 11:48am | Updated on November 17, 2016 2:00pm

 Eva Moskowitz told reporters on Nov. 17, 2016 that she would remove her name from the running from Donald Trump's cabinet in order to remain in NYC as Success Academy CEO.
Eva Moskowitz told reporters on Nov. 17, 2016 that she would remove her name from the running from Donald Trump's cabinet in order to remain in NYC as Success Academy CEO.
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DNAinfo/Kathleen Culliton

CITY HALL — Eva Moskwowitz will not serve in Donald Trump's cabinet in order to remain a thorn in Mayor Bill de Blasio's side.

The Success Academy CEO — whose name was being floated for education secretary under President-elect Trump's administration — refused to be considered for the position Thursday, telling reporters she preferred to stay in the battle closer to home.

"If I left and went to D.C., who would keep their eyes on Mayor de Blasio?" Moskowitz, who has famously sparred with the mayor over securing space for her network's rapidly-growing charter schools, told reporters at a press conference on the steps of City Hall.

"At this time, I will not be entertaining prospective opportunities," added Moskowitz, who confirmed that she met with the president-elect at Trump Tower on Wednesday.

"I believe I can best serve our country's children by continuing to expand Success Academies," said Moskowitz. "And by working as a private citizen to advance educational reform at the national level."

READ MORE: De Blasio's 'Problem' With Moskowitz Sparked Charter Denial, Lawsuit Says

While she would not discuss what they said, adding "I don't talk publicly about private conversations," she confirmed that she plans to work with Trump as an advocate for charter schools in the nation's capitol.

"I will work with the president-elect and with democrats and republicans in congress to help dramatically increase educational opportunities for all of our country's children," she said. 

Moskowitz expressed her approval of Trump's charter schools stance and promised to work with him and his chosen education secretary.

"President-Elect Trump has expressed strong support for school choice," she said. "I look forward to standing with them as we show the nation what our kids and dedicated educators can do. "

Still, she said, she's no Trump supporter.

"Like many Americans, I voted for Hillary Clinton," she said, adding, "I was frankly disappointed in the result" of the presidential election.

Moskowitz held the press conference to demand Mayor Bill de Blasio provide more space to her charter schools, citing a host of school buildings that are under-capacity according to the city's Education Department tally.

Moskowitz wrote an open letter sent to the mayor this week blasting the city's plan to temporarily house Success Academy middle school students from five Brooklyn schools in just two locations. She called the plan a violation of a state law demanding “reasonable, adequate or comparable” facilities for charters.

DOE officials disputed her claims.

"These political accusations fall flat as we've repeatedly told Success this process is underway," DOE spokeswoman Devora Kaye said. "We'll continue to maximize the equitable use of public space and funding to ensure all children in New York City receive a high quality education."

Several parents who gathered at City Hall to show support for Success Academy celebrated Moskowitz' decision not to join Trump's cabinet. 

"I'm really happy about that," said Jennifer Jennifer Bataille, 29, a Crown Heights Success Academy mother. "She's making sure we get the middle schools we need."

"It feels like a second mom who's helping my kid stay strong," she said. 

Alecia Hinds, 40, whose 5-year-old daughter Ava and 8-year-old son Stephen both attend the Crown Heights Success Academy, said Moskowitz is needed in New York City.

"She understands that all black and brown children need is the opportunity to succeed," said Hinds. "I find that refreshing." 

"I'm not a Trump supporter," added Hinds. "But I'm happy Trump supports choices."