By jonetta rose barras
Examiner Columnist
No need to sugarcoat this. It’s totally whacked that obstructionists with political and personal agendas pushed out a woman who cared about D.C.’s children and fought to improve their lives. That’s what happened Wednesday when Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee resigned.
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, acquiescing to a request by Democratic mayoral nominee Vincent C. Gray, appointed Kaya Henderson, interim chancellor. Gray had signaled for months he intended to dump Rhee, the national standard bearer of school reform.
After unions spent $1 million helping Gray win the primary, Rhee’s departure was a fait accompli. Folks, no one spends that kind of money without expecting a return on investment So, Gray who blasted the current mayor for so-called “pay-to-play” policies has executed the most blatant pay-to-play maneuver in the city’s political history.
But Henderson’s appointment really is Gray’s latest campaign strategy.
“This buys him breathing room,” said a government source who requested anonymity.
Gray has multiple problems heading into the Nov. general election: His supporters–union officials and black voters–have been hounding him about Rhee. Satisfying their blood thirst will help ensure a strong turnout next month.
Then, there’s that burgeoning campaign urging voters to write-in Fenty’s name. Having tens of thousands of people select the incumbent could weaken Gray politically even before he takes office.
So, Henderson, who currently is deputy chancellor, has been cast as “Wonder Woman.”
Despite the fact that she was a lead negotiator who helped secure that ground-breaking, tenure-busting teacher contract that school districts across the country are using as a model, union officials like Henderson; she’s not Rhee. Her appointment means they can claim victory.
Gray also scores points with African Americans. Reform now has a black face–Henderson. She also is a resident of Ward 5; Gray received a super-majority of votes from that predominantly African-American community. Those blacks worried about DC changing from Chocolate City to Vanilla Village might breathe a sigh of relief. Further, Henderson is perceived as being “tough but kinder.”
‘She has her own personality, and a deeper knowledge of DCPS,” said former school board president Robert Bobb. “But, she is very aggressive.”
Henderson’s also an extremely competent administrator, dedicated to the Fenty-Rhee agenda. Everyone has pledged to continue that effort. Gray’s hoping that will be enough to ease the concerns of white residents who have been the strongest supporters of the mayor and chancellor’s brand of reform.
Gray may think he’s made a smart political move. But now, as they say in the retail business, you break it, you own it.
If reforms stall, or the achievement trajectory heads downward, Gray’s political future will be short-lived. No amount of union spending or Mau mauing by African Americans will be able to resurrect it.
Jonetta rose barras can be reached at [email protected]
Jonetta Rose Barras’s column appears on Monday and Wednesday. She can be reached at [email protected].
