The Great Read: He Rebuilt His City’s Devastated Schools. Then Came the Backlash.
One superintendent is trying to apply what he’s learned to other shattered districts — and reckoning with the toll of the disaster on his own life.
The New York Times
The Great Read
September 17, 2026, 2:01 p.m. Eastern time

On weekdays and Sundays, we recommend one piece of exceptional writing from The Times — a narrative or essay that takes you someplace you might not expect to go.

Article Image

Eli Durst for The New York Times

He Rebuilt His City’s Devastated Schools. Then Came the Backlash.

One superintendent is trying to apply what he’s learned to other shattered districts — and reckoning with the toll of the disaster on his own life.

Open now

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this email because you signed up for top stories or great reads from The New York Times.

To stop receiving The Great Read, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings.

Subscribe to The Times

Connect with us on:

facebookxinstagramwhatsapp

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices

Zeta LogoAdChoices Logo

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018