After a relatively quiet first two years as D.C. schools chancellor, Kaya Henderson has apparently stepped into her first Michelle Rhee-sized controversy that will test her leadership and political skills.
D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson
(Matt McClain - The Washington Post)
Her announcement that she plans to close 20 schools around the city has placed her squarely in the crosshairs of several major constituencies in the city: the teacher’s union, which, of course, is concerned about the possible loss of jobs; parents groups from both sides of the river who don’t want their neighborhood schools closed; and the charter school movement, which is emerging as a powerful force in how decisions are made over at schools headquarters and will likely encourage Henderson to hold firm in the face of withering attacks from those opposed to the plans.
Almost immediately, parents and teachers took to Twitter to weigh in on the announcement Wednesday and Thursday — it’s likely just a precursor to what we can expect Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Wilson Building, when the city council will host its first hearing on the matter, and people will line up to talk before lawmakers. The Washington Post’s Emma Brown will be there, but below check out how Washingtonians have weighed in on the matter over the last 24 hours.
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