Management Principles and the Washington, DC Public Schools (A): Choosing a Chancellor

Abstract

The business career of MIT Sloan alumnus Victor Reinoso took an unlikely turn when he became Deputy Mayor for Education in Washington, DC, in November 2006. Once in office, Reinoso took a series of steps to remedy the problems confronting the DC public schools (DCPS), including making a recommendation to then Washington, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty on who should be named the next chancellor of DCPS.

Learning Objectives

To illustrate the utility of business practices in the society at large while helping students see beyond the cliché that “the business of business is business”; explore the relation of management principles to nonbusiness goals; and demonstrate the art of preparing for a turnaround.

Appropriate for the Following Course(s)

leadership, strategy, public administration

Management Principles and the Washington, DC Public Schools (A): Choosing a Chancellor 

teaching note and supplemental materials (B and c cases)*

*TEACHING NOTES AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE TO EDUCATORS WHO HOLD TEACHING POSITIONS AT ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS.