Picking a leader for L.A. Unified
The last six L.A. Unified superintendents, with some highs and lows of their terms running the nation's second-largest school system.
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John Deasy, 2011-2014
Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times
Highs: Better employee evaluations; fewer student suspensions; gains in student achievement
Lows: Troubled $1.3-billion, iPads-for-all project; malfunctioning student records system.
Ramon Cortines, 2009-2011
Al Seib / Los Angeles Times
Highs: Managed difficult budget cuts, factions competing for control
Lows: Abuse scandals emerged, including one at Miramonte Elementary, which later led to a $169-million payout.
David Brewer, 2006-2008
Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times
Highs: Promoted more options for running schools
Lows: Lack of direction; stymied by internal, competing interests
Roy Romer, 2000-2006
Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times
Highs: Nation's largest school construction program; stronger districtwide reading programs
Lows: Lagging achievement at secondary schools
Ramon Cortines, 2000
Ken Lubas / Los Angeles Times
Highs: Fought off district breakup; improved reading programs
Lows: Cancellation of costly Belmont Learning Complex project
Ruben Zacarias, 1997-1999
Highs: Incremental rise in test scores
Lows: Disorganized school construction program
Los Angeles Times
Highs: Incremental rise in test scores
Lows: Disorganized school construction program