For one thing, five years isn't long enough for any real assessment. Clusters weren't perfect, but I've met some creative, bright leaders who have made a significant difference. Pulling the administrators and teachers out of the cluster system and putting them back into the classroom might satisfy the bean counters, but it certainly is not going to address the dismal state of city schools. The worst of those schools are located in impoverished areas of the city. Because of union work rules, these schools are assigned the teachers least prepared to deal with the social dysfunction these kids bring to class.
School administrators lack the authority to pick their own staffs.
Farmbry, the system's academic administrator. There are many outstanding, dedicated administrators, teachers, parents and students in the system. Despite the poverty and ignorance all around them, they manage to overcome. But for too many students, a public school education is only preparation for jail or prison. They are locked up even in the classroom.