Wanted: A School Board Chief

THE D.C. BOARD of Education, the official policymaking body for educational issues in the city, is in search of a president. The incumbent, and first school board president to be publicly elected citywide, Peggy Cooper Cafritz, recently announced that she will not seek reelection in the fall. "I want my life back," she said. Contrary to that thought, the D.C. school board presidency, while demanding, is not a life-threatening occupation.

The position requires no "editing or writing test," offers no "payment in stock or stock options," and comes without a "trial period." It also should not be viewed as a steppingstone to the D.C. Council or the mayor's office. The position does require presiding over a strong-willed board consisting of five elected members (the president and four members from school districts), four at-large members who are appointed by the mayor and two student representatives. In addition, the school board president must juggle competing demands and occasional criticism from members of the D.C. Council, the mayor's staff, congressional committees, parents, school activists, the public, the media and potential opponents in the next election.

Skilled micromanagers need not apply. Neither should those possessing dictatorial tendencies, little tolerance for public discourse or a disdain for transparency. A keen interest in producing a world-class school system that sets high academic standards and is led by highly qualified principals and certified teachers is, however, a must. The same applies to an effective leadership style that must be collegial yet decisive, bold but not flamboyant, and commanding without being overbearing. The overarching mission of the school board, led by the president, is to foster a system that ensures that the District's children will have the knowledge and skills to compete effectively with their counterparts across the nation.

The incumbent must be able to distinguish the duties of a school board president from those of the superintendent. The school board president does not hire principals and teachers, manage and discipline the superintendent's staff, or operate the school system. Performing the duties required by law, such as presiding over the board and guiding the members into acting as a cohesive policymaking body, are quite enough.

We would like to know what you think the D.C. school board president should bring to the table -- and who you think might be the right person for the job. Here's a Web page where you may submit your comments and read what others have said: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/editorialinbox/ .