Superintendent gains power in New Orleans

6/22/04 -- A new state law has strengthened the powers of New Orleans Superintendent Anthony Amato -- but his standing with the city's school board appears uncertain following an apparent attempt by some board members to oust him.

Allegations that Amato's job was in jeopardy arose earlier this month when a board meeting was hastily scheduled to review Amato's performance.

That was somewhat of a surprise since the board had awarded Amato a "B-plus" rating during a performance review only months earlier. One key supporter of Amato on the school board, Jerry Fahrenholtz, says the meeting was scheduled for a time when he was unavailable.

Accusing several board members of meeting illegally in advance to plan Amato's removal, Fahrenholtz and another board member went to federal court and obtained an injunction blocking any immediate vote on the superintendent's employment.

Word of the alleged ouster attempt sparked criticism from state lawmakers, who were debating a bill that would shift some authority from school boards in districts deemed "academically in crisis." Currently, that designation applies only to New Orleans.

The legislation subsequently was rushed through the legislature and signed into law. It gives Amato more control over the hiring and firing of school employees and the awarding of school contracts. The new law also makes it harder to fire the superintendent.

In statements to the media, some board members complained about administrative problems and minimal gains in student performance under Amato's watch.

But supporters of Amato, including many state officials, credit him with pushing for academic improvements, trimming a bloated central office, and attacking corruption within the school system.

They accuse opponents of Amato of trying to protect the board's politically advantageous control over patronage.

In recent days, the school board has tried to resolve the conflict, agreeing to extend indefinitely the federal injunction against any discussion on Amato's employment. Board members also voiced hope they can rebuild their relationship with the superintendent.