Cortines takes over LAUSD operations

Less than two years into the tenure of Los Angeles Unified Superintendent David Brewer III, all responsibilities for day-to-day operations at the district have quietly been shifted to a veteran educator who has been a key adviser to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Naush Boghossian in the Daily News.

Under the shift, all of the LAUSD's top senior personnel now report directly to Ramon Cortines, who played a crucial role in the mayor's efforts to reform the district and who now will report on district operations to Brewer.

District officials say Cortines' experience will allow Brewer to focus on big issues. But others are questioning whether it indicates that the school board is losing confidence in Brewer.