Posted on: Saturday, December 15, 2001

Q&A: Superintendent ready to take helm

• New schools chief seen as source of stability

Superintendent Pat Hamamoto answered questions about herself and her plans for the system.

Q. What did you learn from Paul LeMahieu?

A. "That anything is possible. The vision and operationalizing that vision. Also a sense of standards — what it means to have a standards-based education. Also the idea of collaboration and integration, looking at any issue from multiple sides. Any action you take is never done singularly or sequentially, but is truly multidimensional.''

Q. What do you propose to ask of the Legislature?

A."In addition to those issues that will help move education forward, we want the Legislature to have a sense of understanding, a sense of time to allow the department to institute some educational reform. ...''

Q. Where do you propose to cut from the budget?

A."We haven't gone there yet. We haven't worked out the details, and it will be a recommendation to the board.''

Q. What's the biggest mistake you've made?

A."I've got to think about that because my philosophy is: if I made a mistake, fix it and get on with it.''

Q. Do you have any hobbies?

"Reading and golf — although I haven't played in six years. I'm too busy. It's the job.''

Q. What are you reading now?

A." 'Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change,' by William Bridges."

Q. Do you have a favorite travel spot?

A."San Francisco.''

— Timothy Hurley