But in choosing an articulate Indian-American for its top job, the school at least gives a sense that it understands how big the task will be.

I was in the back seat when we pulled up to the girl's house, an Indian-American high schooler wearing a hoodie that said "Chatham Fussball" on it. She and her mother were standing on their doorstep.

Third, it is important to know if there has been growth in the American Indian share of more desirable public-sector positions over the last two decades.