Right at the top of the agenda for the majority of residents — even those without children — is the transformation of public education in the District. That’s been an unrealized goal for more than a decade.
In the mid-1990s, the financial control board stripped the school board of its power and installed as Superintendent Julius Becton, a retired army general. Arlene Ackerman came next, followed by Paul Vance and Elfreda Massie. Remember her and that huge bonus she received — for nothing?
Two years ago, without the congressionally appointed panel, the city selected yet another superintendent. This was after it went to a partially appointed school board, rejecting Mayor Anthony Williams’ attempt to gain control. None of this produced desired results. Recent reports about sliding student test scores serve as proof. School officials blame the new test.
Timid leadership is the real culprit, which is why so many people want City Administrator Robert Bobb to run for president of the D.C. Board of Education.
Bobb is expected to pick up his nominating petitions today. Then, this evening at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge at Fourth and E streets NW, he’ll rally the troops. On Sunday, he says he’ll be out on the streets, presenting himself as the right man for the job.
“I am not going to be a guardian of the status quo,” he says during an interview.
Bobb has gained a reputation as a no-nonsense manager. With more than 30 years of experience in urban governments around the country, extensive knowledge and training focusing on trends and best practices in public education, whipping him in this race will take more than a notion.
He has constructed an impressive campaign organization and conducted his own research. Some of it contradicts the chatter in the city, including a recent survey by Teach America, which identified teacher quality and student expectations of themselves as two of the top five challenges.
His opponents suggest that his dynamic personality and management style will mean he is destined to push out Superintendent Clifford Janey. Bobb pooh-poohs all of that.
“I have seen elected officials who have had a thirst to intrude. I have no desire to be superintendent. I intend to push policy and hold people accountable for the implementation of those policies,” he says.
As for the solutions being bandied about by current mayoral candidates, Bobb offers this: “There is only one leadership position with elected accountability for the school system.
“There is a lot of conversation about education. But, in the grand scheme of things, it still takes a back seat. I want to energize this race. I have the will, the desire and the interest.”
More than a few people think he’s the one.
Jonetta Rose Barras is the political analyst for WAMU radio’s “D.C. Politics Hour with Kojo and Jonetta.”
