Debriefing LAUSD’s John Deasy: The Highs and Lows of the Supes First Year

SCHOOLS - In his first year at the helm of the Los Angeles Unified School District, John Deasy has not gone out of his way to be liked. That's one of the things to like about him.

At a time of crisis in the schools - from budget problems, to controversy over reform efforts, to a child-molestation scandal - Deasy has impressed as a rare public official who doesn't sugarcoat problems or promise easy answers.

Admirers say he brings uncommon energy and focus to pursuing solutions. Detractors say he's impatient and impossible to please. A person in Deasy's position ought to gladly accept both that sort of praise and that sort of criticism.

Put it all together, and the LAUSD superintendent's first report card should be full of passing grades.

Deasy was promoted to superintendent last April, succeeding Ramon Cortines. Like many in the current crop of government leaders, Deasy took office at a hard time. And it only got harder. (The rest of the Daily News John Deasy review here.)

(This editorial was posted first at dailynews.com) -cw

Tags: Schools, LAUSD, John Deasy, LAUSD Superintendent, first year




CityWatch
Vol 10 Issue 28
Pub: Apr 6, 2012