Who Should Be Running The Country's Largest School System?
Joel Klein, the controversial chancellor of New York City schools has just resigned. Rumors are flying about the reason behind his departure. Already a replacement has been named:Cathie Black, a media mogul whose most recent job has been as chairwoman of Hearst magazines.
For lots of people this has raised the question, What kind of person should be running an urban school system like New York's? Should it be a corporate leader, or an educator? In Chicago, where the CEO of the public schools has resigned, the teachers are calling for an educator at the helm. They argue that a business leader has not understood the complexities of teaching and learning, and an experienced educator is needed now that there is an opportunity for a change.
In New York City, the same arguments have been made. One of the main concerns raised about Joel Klein was that he did not listen to teachers and parents enough. Some perceived him as treating New York City schools like his own corporation. Some parents are rejoicing over Klein's departure. Some teachers are too. His most