A Sacrificial Lam

Abstract

This case describes the confrontational relationship between four trustees on the San Antonio School Board and the San Antonio School District’s superintendent Diana Lam, a nationally recognized school reformer, who came to San Antonio in 1994. The case includes a dramatic board meeting where a closely divided board meets to buy out Lam’s contract, and then, under intense pressure from business and political leaders, backs down. But despite significant improvements in student achievement, conflict returns. Two years after the first crisis, the board, again closely divided, buys out Lam’s contract. This time the business leaders do not rally to defend her.