Mr Cortines, whose name reassures some Latinos even though, unlike Mr Zacarias, he does not speak Spanish, will attend to the educational side of things.

ECONOMIST: A lesson in how to count

Ramon Cortines, a seasoned shaker-up of school boards with experience in New York, San Francisco and Pasadena, has been appointed as an adviser to Mr Zacarias until next January 15th, when Mr Zacarias will retire and Mr Cortines will take over as interim head until a new superintendent can be appointed.

ECONOMIST: A lesson in how to count