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How Obama influenced who will be Knox County’s next school superintendent
Posted By katie allison granju
Sandra Clark says “The Obama Factor” meant one candidate for Knox County School Superintendent never had a chance:
Dr. Donna Wright, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, did everything right. She raised two smart kids, motivated Powell High social studies students as a teacher and brought an inner-city school back from the grave as principal at West High. She got up at 4 a.m. to write a dissertation while holding down a full-time job on her way to earning a doctorate in education at UT.
Donna Wright was one of five finalists for the top job in Knox County Schools, but she fell victim to a phenomenon that’s sweeping the country. Call it The Obama Factor.
I’m no big fan of Hillary Clinton (is there one?), but I respect her for holding her family together, for winning election to the U.S. Senate from New York and for making a credible race for president.
Now Hillary, 60, is yesterday’s news. Her historic drive to be the nation’s first female president may fall to the improbable run of a much less experienced but charismatic newcomer with an unfamiliar name. In an effort to project strength, Clinton appeared uncaring. In gaining experience, she fought tough battles and made lasting enemies. And so it goes, but Hillary Clinton prepared to be president.
Likewise, Wright prepared to be superintendent. But her preparation did not matter to a school board set on going outside the system to find a charismatic leader. Hey, didn’t we just do that with Charles Lindsey?
Mar 17th, 2008
