Coupla worthy LAUSD reads

There's an interesting opinion piece looking at LAUSD Superintedent Ramon Cortines in the LA Times today.

"Cortines is a tough infighter, strengthened by his national reputation and willingness to say out loud what others only whisper," writes Jim Newton, the paper's editor-at-large. "...Cortines has navigated Los Angeles' dense politics with a style uniquely his own."

Newton worries about the district's future after Cortines retires in 2011. He tells the 78-year-old superintendent that his departure might allow change-resistant parties "their chance to backslide."

"You're right to be worried," Cortines responds.

Definitely worth a read.

Also interesting, but not related to local LAUSD schools, is the district's reaction to a reality show that was filmed at a few campuses. It didn't go to everyone's liking, report the Times' Howard Blume and Daina Beth Solomon.