CUTTING LOOSE FROM THE JUDGE

An amazing revelation from the new head of the Kansas City School District: Henry Williams said he wants to ensure the district is freed from federal court supervision.

It is certainly a refreshing approach. He begins his duties Sept. 1.

Williams comes to Kansas City from Little Rock, where he has served as superintendent the past three years. He leaves with mixed reviews. Some laud his administrative ability, progressive ideas and stance on discipline. But the teachers union and some parents point to a failure to control his own temper and unfilled promises.

But it isn't like qualified candidates are rushing to the forefront to apply for superintendent of that urban district operating under a federal judge. The pay is good -- too good in fact. But the district faces the task of paying for the gold-plated schools that U.S. District Judge Russell Clark ordered.

Judge Clark continues to amaze and astound with rulings that are totally oblivious of finances or common sense. He recently ordered the district to restore a popular before-and-after-school program to the tune of $5 million. The school board had tried to raise private funding for the program but failed. That is when the program was eliminated.

Williams certainly has his work cut out for him.