The Los Angeles school board last week said it had selected a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral to become the district’s next superintendent.
The board selected David L. Brewer III to replace Superintendent Roy Romer. The admiral oversaw the SeaLift Command, managing a supply chain for equipment, fuel, and ammunition for forces around the world.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who was traveling in Asia when the Oct. 12 announcement was made, said he was “deeply disappointed” that board members had moved ahead with the decision without involving the “council of mayors” that is to have a role in governing the district starting Jan. 1.
The school district last week filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the new state legislation that gives the Los Angeles mayor a say in running the nation’s second-largest school district.
Joined by state and local education organizations, parents, and community groups, the district argues that the state constitution mandates a separation of powers between city officials and school districts.
The board voted unanimously to begin contract negotiations with Mr. Brewer, according to Marlene Canter, the president of the board. Mr. Brewer is now the head of the David and Mildred Brewer Foundation, which provides scholarships to African-American students.
