District Administration - May 2011 - (Page 73)

Tata, far right, is sworn in as superintendent of the Wake County Public School System in February. N.C. Appeals Court Judge Douglas McCullogh administered the oath, while the women holding the Bible are, from left to right, Kendall Tata, his sister, Jerri Tata, his mother, and Jodi Tata, his wife. Anthony “tony” tAtA superintendent Wake County Public School System Age: 51 salary: $250,000 No. of schools: 163 No.of students: 143,289 Percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch: 31 Ethnicity: 49.5% white, 24.8% African-American, 14.6% Hispanic, 6.1% Asian/Pacific, 4.5% multi-racial, 0.4% Native American No. of staff: 18,000, including 9,000 teachers Operating budget: $1.25 billion Graduation rate: 78% Web site: www.wcpss.net military officers and traditional educators for administration roles in urban districts. Tata graduated from the academy in 2009. Meanwhile, Broad has funneled nearly $400 million since 1999 into programs designed for urban districts. Tata plans to In an Elite Club Tata is one of a handful of former military leaders who have become superintendents. Perhaps the best known, David Brewer III, a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral with no education experience, had a rocky two years at the helm of the Los Angeles Unified School District before the board of education bought out his contract two years early in 2008. Along with Tata, at least four other ex-military officers are running U.S. school districts: John Barry of the Aurora (Colo.) Public Schools, Thomas Brady of the Providence (R.I.) Public Schools, Edmond Heatley of the Clayton County (Ga.) Public Schools, and Alan Ingram of the Springfield (Mass.) Public Schools, according to the Broad Superintendents Academy, which trained them. The Los Angeles-based academy, founded by philanthropist Eli Broad, recruits and prepares business executives, www.DistrictAdministration.com seek millions in donations from Broad. His budget proposal for next year involves cutting 46 central-office positions and starting pilot pay-for-performance projects. His plan may possibly include yearround calendar options for students, and will likely have a school assignment plan that will please most people and make the most of taxpayers’ money. Marc Terry, Broad’s director of recruitment, says veteran military leaders bring experience in managing budgets and personnel that a school administrator will need. He had particular praise for Tata’s communication skills. “That’s really important as a leader—to not just have confidence but to communicate that confidence and your vision to your organization,” Terry says, adding that Tata also brings sincerity and strength. “He’s courageous. And that’s very helpful, particularly in leading large organizations through change.” May 2011 73 http://www.wcpss.net http://www.DistrictAdministration.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - May 2011

District Administration - May 2011
Contents
From the Editor
News Update
Conversations
Administrator Profile
District Profile
The Cradle-to-Career Solution
Turnaround Principals
Starving for Recess
Army Strong, Superintendent Savvy
Budgeting Based on Student Needs
Research Center
Books
Product Focus
Products
Superintendent's Insights
Crisis Response
Going Mobile
Professional Opinion

District Administration - May 2011