Both the Los Angeles Times' Howard Blume and Connie Llanos of our sister paper, the Daily News, wrote goodbye stories last week marking the last day of former Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Ramon Cortines.
Here's a laudatory quote in Blume's story from Westside school board member Steve Zimmer, who told the LAT he wished the 78-year-old Cortines had stayed on longer:
"We had simply the most skilled, most accomplished superintendent in the nation at the magical moment of his last job," Zimmer said. "He did this work completely unfettered, unchained. There was no objective other than what was best for children. He absolutely held the district together, understanding exactly where the organization was, where it needed to be and how much change it could absorb."
The Daily News story has this description, which encapsulates the longtime educator:
Diminutive in size, Cortines is known for his larger-than-life personality that is part charm, part wit and part fiery passion.
His short fuse caused him to submit a written resignation to the school board earlier this year, over an argument with a board member. He later withdrew his resignation. He could be grumpy with staff and he was unapologetic about his expectations.But most district officials also marveled at Cortines' stamina and work ethic - that had him starting work days at 4:30 a.m. until the last few days of his time as chief.
Superintendent John Deasy began his work leading the nation's second-largest school district on Friday.
