Newly appointed New Orleans Public School Superintendent Anthony Amato says his profession is just an extension of the kind of person he has always been. Clearly, the educational system has not met the demands of our students. And that's not to say there aren't bright spots in the educational system or that there aren't great teachers or great principals. But on the whole, it's very clear to everyone in the city that the educational system has not done exactly what our students need. As a result of that ... we're in a very challenged position. And unless we ramp up, in terms of increasing time on tasks ... and increasing the intensity and focus of our curriculum, our students are not going to be prepared for the world of tomorrow. I was very specific. I said we are going to have the greatest gains on the (Louisiana Educational Assessment Program) exam of any parish in the state. (If that doesn't happen), I don't deserve to be the superintendent, meaning that I would ask my School Board to take a hard look at me. I honestly feel that any superintendent worth his or her word in America today should be able to make some substantial change in a year and then to continue to make that change over the coming years. I want to show this city and all of our students that the superintendent is willing to put his reputation on the line for our kids.