Chapter 12: Cover Story

“Beep.”

The computerized voice toned, “Call from ...,” followed by a human voice carefully annunciating the name, “Joanna Hyde.”¹

“Press one if you want to listen to your message, press two if ...” I didn’t wait to hear option two. I knew Joanna Hyde. She is a reporter from the local newspaper who writes stories on educational issues facing our community. Though we communicated fairly regularly about local educational initiatives and debates, there were no issues pending. I couldn’t imagine why she was calling.

“Hello. This is Joanna Hyde. I am doing a story on middle-class families leaving our city schools. I was surprised to learn recently that you, the former head of the citywide parent association and a professor of education, had recently pulled your children out of the public school system. I want to interview you about your decision because I think it will add some complexity and depth to my story. Please call me back at your earliest convenience.”