A Crack in the Kremlin

The Cleveland schools have long been an exemplary model of Stalinist public relations, where info requests are efficiently stonewalled and comments to the public are reliably incorrect. But new intelligence suggests the iron fist may be loosening. Following the arrival of new chief Eugene Sanders this summer comes an apparent reversal of policy, explified by this stunning exchange: A Wednesday call to schools Chief Operating Officer Dan Burns was returned the very next day. Three times. He even tried calling the office Wednesday evening, unaware that Scene reporters have long since commenced their fruity-cocktail regimen by that hour. Burns answered all questions, and mentioned that policy has indeed changed over at Central Control. No longer are interview requests approved through a military tribunal and the U.S. Patent Office. He's actually allowed to talk -- even offered up his cell number. But be wary, citizens of Cleveland. This smells like a cover-up. -- Lisa Rab