New Baltimore City Public Schools chief Carmen V. Russo met privately with President William R. Brody and then with members of Hopkins' Education Forum on Oct. 18 to offer an overview of her strategy for improving city schools and to gain an understanding of Hopkins initiatives and research in Baltimore City education.

"After three months on the job, I'm about to present my assessment of city schools and my year goals to the school board," she told members. "Now I'm working to get to know the higher education community and find out how I can match their strengths with what I need."

After the two-hour exchange, followed by lunch with members of the forum, the group said they felt upbeat about Russo's expertise in school reform and her education philosophy.

"It was wonderful to hear her passion for improving high schools," said James McPartland, director of the Center for Social Organization of Schools. "They have been neglected in Baltimore and in the nation for a very long time. I was very impressed with her; I think our city is lucky to have someone who not only knows management but also the ins and outs of curriculum, and the challenges and rewards of working in urban education."

The meeting also served to open the door to future contact between Russo and individual members of the Education Forum.

Besides McPartland, meeting attendees included Edward Roulhac, vice provost for academic services and coordinator of the forum; Ralph Fessler, director of the forum and dean of the School of Professional Studies in Business and Education; Michael Bender, vice president, Kennedy Krieger Institute; Phillip Leaf, professor of mental hygiene, School of Public Health, and professor of psychiatry, School of Medicine; Felisa Neuringer, director of public affairs, SAIS; Marion Pines, senior fellow, Institute for Policy Studies; William Tiefenwerth, director, Office of Volunteer Services and Community Relations; and Bret Schreiber, coordinator for city and community relations.

On Monday, Oct. 30, Russo will be guest speaker at an MSE Symposium. For details, see Calendar/Special Events.