Billionaire backer of schools is optimistic

Billionaire philanthropist Eli Broad said he donated nearly $1.8 million to launch the Pittsburgh Public Schools' principal development program because strong leadership is central to his vision for transforming America's urban schools.

And at a news conference yesterday at school district headquarters in Oakland, Mr. Broad hinted that more aid could be coming.

"Let me assure you, if you keep making progress, we're going to come back here and make an even deeper investment in this fine district," he said.

The district announced the grant for the principal development program, called the Pittsburgh Emerging Leadership Academy, last month.

But Mr. Broad, in town yesterday to receive the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, paid a visit to school district offices to talk up Superintendent Mark Roosevelt and explain his support for the principal program.

"I've always said, 'Show me a good principal, and I will show you a good school,' " Mr. Broad told a news conference attended by dozens of district employees.

Mr. Roosevelt and Linda Lane, deputy superintendent for instruction, assessment and accountability, are graduates of the Broad Superintendents Academy, which bills itself as the training ground for new-age, reform-minded urban school leaders. Mr. Broad's educational philosophy includes strong management, data-driven decision-making and accountability, features that Mr. Roosevelt has promised to infuse in the Pittsburgh district.

Mr. Broad expressed satisfaction with the work Mr. Roosevelt is doing, saying he's "brought order to the district" and closed low-performing schools that drained district finances.

Mr. Broad was accompanied by his wife of 53 years, Edythe. He wore a lapel pin promoting "Excellence for All," the name of Mr. Roosevelt's improvement plan. He also signed a large copy of the "Pittsburgh Pledge," which students and staff signed in August agreeing to get the most out of the school year.

Dr. Lane said 150 people have applied for the first 10 to 12 slots in the principal development program. Those selected as aspiring principals will undergo yearlong training, including guidance from veteran principals.

Mr. Broad said he has supported similar programs in New York and a handful of other cities.

Regina Holley, principal of Pittsburgh Lincoln K-8 and president of the Pittsburgh Administrators Association, said she was excited about the principals' program and continuing training the district offers veteran principals.

Mr. Broad, an entrepreneur, said he and his wife decided in 1999 that they had more wealth than they or their family could use. He said he pondered ways to spend the money and concluded public education was a worthy cause.

Because few foundations were concentrating on school leadership, Mr. Broad said, that's where he decided to focus his energies.

Besides the superintendents academy, which has placed graduates in urban districts throughout the country, the Los Angeles-based Broad Foundation offers training to school board members and to business-school graduates who want to hold cabinet-level positions in school districts.

Mr. Broad said Pittsburgh is one of a handful of school districts to receive foundation support early in its improvement efforts.

Mr. Roosevelt said, "We are very grateful to Mr. Broad and the Broad Foundation."