But the problems he faces go to the foundation of the troubled school system.
He will take charge of a financially troubled system with 610,000 students.
The city's troubled school system needs all the political support it can muster.
"And American universities are drawing on these troubled academic systems."
Crime, drugs, homelessness and the troubled public school system top almost everyone's list.
Voters will face a tough choice: a troubled school system and modest means to deal with it.
One year after state education officials took control of this city's troubled school system, summer programs are in flux, particularly at the elementary level.
Proponents also say it is too early to dismiss even the most troubled systems, since they are built to serve needs into the next century.
Critics say the case points up a troubled system.
And they say they are determined to turn the troubled school system around.