Quinn, a former star player at N.Y.U., has a master's degree in finance and management from the Wagner School of Public Service there.

Leanna Stiefel, an economist at the Wagner School at New York University, has been a consultant to the other side in the lawsuit.

"No mayors were ever given the right to select a chancellor," said Robert Berne, dean of the Wagner School of Public Service at New York University.

"The principal is the key variable in a school," said Joseph Viteritti, a research professor at the Wagner School of Public Service at New York University.

"Maybe it's because they are the toughest issues we confront," said Ellen Schall, dean of the Wagner School at New York University.

"The world identifies with this site," said Mitchell Moss, a professor at the Wagner School of New York University and a Giuliani-watcher.

He taught courses in transportation policy and crisis management and was selected "Professor of the Year" for the Wagner School 2009 to 2010 academic year.

Another former mayor, Edward I. Koch, is a lecturer, also at the Wagner School.

He is also working on a Doctorate in Public Administration at the Wagner School.

Joseph P. Viteritti, research director of the Wagner School at New York University, said this proved that "fewer kids fall between the cracks" in private school.