She knows what works.

Sue Johnson, superintendent of Memphis City Schools is quoted in this Commercial Appeal article from 5/22/05. In this article she appears to acknowledge that they know the answer is smaller schools, more individualized instruction and teacher quality. Unfortunately it seems she offers the usual excuse, taxpayers are demanding

"economy of scale" resulting in the closing of existing smaller schools and merging them into larger school organizations. . . .

And she offers her own measuring stick of success:

"The true measure of success is increased high school graduation rates and higher post-secondary enrollment."

I'm sure parents and taxpayers will be glad to hold her accountable to that standard.