See how LAUSD has wavered between picking leaders from the outside and within
LOCAL Education LAUSD
See how LAUSD has wavered between picking leaders from the outside and within
KingMichelle King is the first African American woman to lead L.A. Unified. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
One of the most salient headlines about the hiring of Michelle King as the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District is that she’s an insider -- a district stalwart who worked her way up the LAUSD ladder over a span of 30 years -- and not someone with a glitzy national name, such as a vice admiral in the Navy or a former governor.
The history of L.A. Unified’s leadership provides context to King’s appointment: The district is constantly revising its view on whether it needs an insider to stabilize the schools, or an outsider to shake them up. And history hasn’t settled the question of whether being an insider is a help, or a hindrance.
Over 45 years, the margin of insiders to outsiders leading the district was eight to five. Here is a timeline of the superintendents in recent history, how the board chose them, and how they fared:
1971-1981
William J. Johnston - INSIDER
Supt. William J. Johnston, 1971-1981 (L.A. Times file photo)
Johnston was promoted from within the ranks of L.A. Unified. Before his appointment, he served as assistant superintendent for adult education, the focus of his graduate education. Observers saw his “young, energetic” personality as an asset to promoting renewal within the schools. He started in L.A. Unified as a math teacher and junior varsity baseball coach at Gardena High School.
His insider ties extended beyond his own LAUSD career. His dad, Ogden “Johnny” Johnston, had been warmly remembered as a wood shop teacher for nearly 40 years at Roosevelt High in East Los Angeles.
During his tenure as superintendent, he established the All-District Honors Band. As superintendent, Johnston also encouraged LAUSD schools to participate in what was then the new state academic decathlon competition.
Johnston still corresponds, by formal letter, with district leaders, offering his opinions and guidance.
1981-1987
Harry Handler - INSIDER
Harry Handler was superintendent from 1981-1987 (L.A. Times file photo)
Handler had been serving as Johnston’s chief deputy when he was appointed superintendent. He joined LAUSD in 1952 as a substitute junior high math teacher, and later served as supervisor of guidance and counseling for junior and senior high schools. In 1968, Handler was named to the district's newly created post of director of research and development. He later became associate superintendent for instruction.
As The Times reported upon his appointment, “His selection is expected to please top district officials, whowanted to see the practice of promoting from within the ranks continued.”
Discord over desegregation was still brewing when he took office. The board Handler inherited was polarized, consumed with bitter busing fights and the aftermath of white flight by students and teachers. However, “Handler's most enduring legacy,” The Times wrote in an editorial the day he left office, “may be a school board that works in harmony.”
1987-1990
Leonard M. Britton - OUTSIDER
Leonard Britton, superintendent of LAUSD from 1987 to 1990. (L.A. Times file photo)
Britton had the distinction of being the first outsider appointed as LAUSD superintendent in nearly 40 years. He uprooted himself from a successful legacy as head of the Miami-Dade County public schools. In his seven years in Miami, Britton developed well-regarded specialty schools, including one for pregnant teens. He strengthened relations with the teachers union, developed a group of effective administrators and experimented with school-based management. It was that reputation and record that prompted his appointment in Los Angeles.
However, the complex political landscape of LAUSD was riddled with tough issues, making for a steep See how LAUSD has wavered between picking leaders from the outside and within - LA Times:
