Despite Some Council Concerns, Mayor Continues to Back Ombuds for DC Schools

During the final public hearing on Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's plan to take over the District of Columbia's public schools, a majority of D.C. Council members voiced approval for the proposal. Council Member David Catania expressed some reservation that the ombudsman would circumvent checks and balances within the system. Other council members suggested that they favor amendments that could allow the board to appoint the proposed school ombudsman, instead of the mayor. However, Fenty said he saw no need to change his current plan. (Examiner; Washington Post; related post DC Council to Consider Public Schools Ombuds.)