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References Available for Comment
When you’re a young, inexperienced administrator jumping into a demanding job, it’s always nice to have some good references. It’s even better if they are available for comment at your job announcement.
When Acting D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee was introduced to the press today, Mayor Adrian Fenty made sure her patron was on hand. In response to a reporter’s question, Fenty said that the recommendation of New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein “carried great weight” in his decision to hire Rhee.
Klein later said that Rhee is “a visionary with a passion about civil rights.” He also endorsed Fenty for a second term saying that he hopes Rhee and Fenty can work together “for the next eight years.”
Rhee, 37, has never managed anything bigger than the 120-person nonprofit she works for called the New Teacher Project.
Fenty Forgets His Own Takeover
Robert Bobb still seems like he can’t pass on a chance to stick it to Fenty.
When it came time for Bobb to speak at the press conference introducing Rhee, Fenty introduced him as “School Board President Robert Bobb.”
Bobb was quick to correct Fenty when he stepped to the microphone. “Actually, Mr. Mayor, after 12:01 a.m. today I am president of the State Board of Education.”