An obscure character actor has been paid six figures to help District of Columbia Public Schools Superintendent Clifford B. Janey “market and brand” the city’s failing schools.
Lawrence Kopp is paid $150,000 as a public relations consultant to Janey, sources who spoke anonymously told The Examiner.
Kopp is an actor who has played bit roles in television episodes of “Law & Order” and “Homicide” and in two films — “Dumb & Dumber” and “Alien Nation.”
He helped write Janey’s $30,000-plus “State of the Schools” speech, sources said.
Kopp did not respond to e-mails or phone calls seeking comment.
The schools already pay salaries to three full-time public relations officials, including a speech writer, spokesman John White told The Examiner.
On Dec. 5, White was asked to account for Kopp’s contract — how much he was paid, whether it was subject to competitive bidding and who approved the hiring.
White said it “predates my employment” and said he would “have to research the answers.” He has not responded since.
Janey did not reply to a request for comment.
