Voting-Rights Activists in a Blue Mood

Error Appreciation

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) has been unjustly slimed by the liberal advocacy organization MoveOn.org.

In an e-mail last week, MoveOn organizer Noah T. Winer congratulated members for lobbying the House and forcing the restoration of $100 million in federal funds for public broadcasting. Then he added this postscript: "Your Congresswoman, Rep. Norton, voted the wrong way on NPR and PBS funding. You can call her at 202-225-8050."

Of course, Norton has no vote on the House floor.

Rather than take offense, Norton took advantage of the slip-up by pressing MoveOn to join the fight for D.C. voting rights.

"I'm a good sport when it comes to jokes on me, but this is a joke on my constituents," she said in a statement. "I am asking for real amends, . . . hopefully engaging MoveOn in a progressive cause they have had little to say about -- equal voting rights for the citizens of the District of Columbia."

MoveOn's press operation did not immediately return a request for comment. But the group has apologized for what it called a "database error," adding that it supports full enfranchisement for D.C. residents.

Principal Liaison

The D.C. school system is trying a new approach to longstanding criticism from senior high school principals that the central office is out of touch. Maria Tukeva , principal of Bell Multicultural Senior High School, has been appointed assistant superintendent in charge of high schools citywide.

But Tukeva's not leaving her post at Bell in Northwest Washington. Instead, she will wear both hats: one as principal and one as administrator in charge.

"This is what senior high principals have been asking for, as far as a good fit," said Alexander Donahue , who will serve as special assistant to Tukeva. Unlike Tukeva, Donahue will leave his job as principal of the Roosevelt Senior High School night school program called STAY and relocate to the central office.

"This is a cluster leader concept," he said. "I'll be her right-hand man downtown so she won't have to leave her building too often."

Tukeva replaces Ralph H. Neal , who retired from the school system early this month. Neal will serve as principal of Friendship Junior Academy at the Friendship Edison Public Charter School in Southeast Washington.

A priority for Tukeva and Donahue will be to implement Superintendent Clifford B. Janey's high school reform initiative. Starting in fall 2006, the high schools will offer a three-year track for students who want to double up on classes and graduate early as well as a five-year track for students who need an extra year.

"The flexibility will be really, really good and helpful," Donahue said, adding that the schools also will offer more vocational programs.

Tukeva and Donahue begin their new jobs Tuesday.

Staff writer V. Dion Haynes contributed to this report.