Henderson could be just what DC schools need

Post-primary speculation about the future of DC Public Schools came to a head last week with the unsurprising news that Chancellor Michelle Rhee would step down. However, Rhee supporters found solace in the decision to let go-to gal Kaya Henderson take over as interim leader.

This move could signal good things for DC kids and the future of the city. When it comes to community relations, the primary sticking point between Rhee, future Mayor Vincent Gray, and Rhee’s critics, Henderson may even represent a step forward.

Stability, stability, stability comes in first, second and third as the top reason to allow Rhee’s Deputy Chancellor to hang on to the reins. Buzz in support of Rhee’s boldness attracted a wealth of talent to the DCPS central office. Henderson will serve as a familiar face to staff members waiting with bated breath to see what happens next.

Furthermore, a sense of continuity at the top can only trickle down to create coherence about what’s expected within classrooms. With her in charge, there’s still a good chance of maintaining the momentum behind key initiatives and keeping up morale.

Big name foundations attracted to Rhee’s message will probably feel the same way. It is particularly vital to protect the private dollars raised in support of the changes made to the DC teacher pay scale. Rhee’s ability to accumulate those funds drastically changed the potential compensation available and could be a game-changer. It would be a shame to see the game stopped at half time.

Speaking of the latest contract, Henderson understands Michelle Rhee’s vision of starting reform from within central office and extending that vision to create an overarching focus on human capital. When Rhee took office, it was clear that some personnel were contributing to fiscal irresponsibility and educational failure, despite the efforts of their hardworking counterparts. Although new evaluation measures like IMPACT aren’t perfect, they at least send a message that the bar has been raised.

Henderson can keep the focus on holding the adults in the system accountable while taking the opportunity to express her own leadership style. In the process, she can perhaps avoid the side of Rhee’s image that often attracted unwanted media attention. (Think back to Rhee’s infamous Time magazine cover, where she sternly holds a broom). Hopefully, Henderson can use this transition period to usher in an era of improved community relations and continued dialogue with those on the ground, especially when it comes to controversial initiatives like the IMPACT performance evaluation system.

If you consider the racial politics in the election results, some have also pointed out the added benefit to Gray in selecting an African-American administrator, although that is certainly not her main qualification, and it would be a bit of an insult to suggest otherwise.

Her extended history with DC traces back to her days working with Teach for America and The New Teacher Project. This experience within the District has culminated in a generally positive relationship with union head George Parker and other key leadership. Parker has gone on the record to confirm his approval, saying that, “I respect her because she is a collaborative person, but also a very strong reformer.” The new contract’s shift in teacher salary calculations can be attributed to her ability to play well in the sandbox with folks in the Washington Teachers Union while still getting what she needs done. After seeing both her and Rhee speak this summer, I believe that Henderson’s style is somewhat more politically savvy.

The rest of the school year will serve as a trial period for both Henderson and Gray. Given what’s at stake, let’s hope that it ends with a positive outcome that includes a workable relationship. Great cities contain attractive educational options, and Henderson has the experience necessary to follow through on some of Rhee’s better ideas while smoothing out a few of the kinks.

Perhaps just as importantly, she has enough of her own moxie, charisma, and personal drive to keep her commitment to the District’s children going strong after Rhee’s departure.