Columbus School Board Nears Decision On Interim Superintendent

Columbus Schools superintendent Gene Harris leaves her post next month and the school board is trying to fill her post on a temporary basis. The decision on an interim schools chief could come as early as next week. A leading and perhaps only candidate to serve as interim superintendent is Ohio State University Provost Joseph Alutto. After a closed-door session on Tuesday, School board president Carol Perkins said the committee is considering Alutto, but she didn't say much else. Borgerding: Did you discuss Mr. Alutto at all? Perkins: Yes we did. But again, I can't say at this time. The board will make a decision this coming Tuesday. Borgerding: Can you tell me whether he was interviewed either by phone or in person? Perkins: He was interviewed. Yes. OK? Alutto now serves as OSU's chief academic officer and will retire soon. He served as dean of the OSU business school and has written extensively on corporate performance and leadership. The board opted for an interim superintendent after suspending its search for a permanent replacement. The district awaits results from both state and federal investigations into alleged attendance and grade changes.