Cortines may take schools job

Talks are underway to bring former Supt. Ramon C. Cortines back to the Los Angeles Unified School District. If the deal is made, Cortines, 75, would serve directly under Supt. David L. Brewer with substantial control over instructional programs.

Cortines serves as top education advisor to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. He also chairs the mayor’s Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, through which Villaraigosa will steward reforms at a group of schools.

Brewer, a retired Navy admiral in his second year as schools chief, has endured criticism for being slow to fill out his senior staff. The key vacancy is the No. 2 position directly, although Cortines could be considered for other top roles as well. Brewer has talked at least twice with the former New York City superintendent in recent days. Cortines, for his part, has reportedly canceled a scheduled trip to China.

“Ray Cortines would be a great asset,” Brewer said. “But I haven’t consummated any deal with him. There are other discussions that still have to take place. Right now, he still works for the mayor. I’m talking to Ray, but I’m talking to other people too.”

Cortines could not be reached Wednesday night, but he confirmed his interest in an earlier interview. The move is clearly endorsed by school board President Monica Garcia who, sources said, has urged Brewer to make an offer.

“The superintendent wants an instructional leader with a track record who understands the needs of the children in Los Angeles,” Garcia said. Cortines would clearly fit the bill, she added.

Cortines’ hiring could raise speculation about Brewer’s future and about the mayor’s intrusion into district affairs. But in the interview, he insisted that the mayor played no role and that Villaraigosa was surprised when Cortines told him of the possible move.

“I would never work for Mr. Brewer unless he wanted me,” Cortines said. “He is the superintendent, and I respect that position. This is Supt. Brewer’s choice.”

Cortines, who would probably enjoy broad community support, served as interim Los Angeles superintendent in 2000. He also has led the school systems in San Francisco and Pasadena.

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howard.blume@latimes.com