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D.C. Public Schools Superintendent Arlene Ackerman launched a new initiative Tuesday with the first of what she promises will be monthly meetings with reporters. The meeting apparently served as the premiere of Ackerman’s new stand-up career, as well: When one reporter complained about access to D.C. public school buildings, Ackerman first offered a rote “OK, we’ll work on that.” Then she deadpanned: “I’ll call you all and leave 100 messages…
saying, ‘We’re sorry. We’ll try to do better.’” Ackerman’s crack mimicked that morning’s front-page Washington Post story announcing Mayor Anthony A. Williams’ plan to call 100,000 city residents and apologize for spotty snow removal and trash pickup. After the newshounds responded with blank stares, Ackerman said, with more than a hint of disbelief, “Nobody got that?” —Laura Lang