Rhee says she had a role in Fenty's loss

D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee is weighing in on the results of the mayor's race and her potential role in Mayor Fenty's re-election loss.

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Michelle Rhee
(Photo: Jay Westcott)

TBD's Philip Stewart and ABC 7's Jay Korff caught up with Rhee at the movie premiere for "Waiting for Superman" at the Newseum. The documentary screened Wednesday night focuses on education in the U.S. and prominently features Rhee as an inner-city school leader who's turned things around for the better. It was ironic timing, given her now uncertain future with D.C. Public Schools.

"It's at a fragile place in many ways and we just want to make sure -- as many people do -- that we don't move backward," said Rhee about the upcoming transitions that will almost certainly affect the city's schools.

Rhee's hardcharging style that included firing hundreds of teachers and closing schools proved a political liability for her boss. Mayor Adrian Fenty lost Tuesday's primary election to Council Chairman Vincent Gray.

With Vincent Gray set to be the next mayor of Washington, D.C. Rhee's future is unclear.

Rhee stated, "I think it's gonna require a conversation with chairman Gray, want to give him the opportunity for him to bring in his team and work with people that are on the same page."

Gray is declining to comment on specific appointments in his administration until after the general election, but he has been sharply critical of Rhee.

In his victory speech, this line got some of the biggest applause: "School reform will move forward in a Gray administration. And it'll be done in a holistic way, with a strong empowered chancellor who works with, with parents and teachers!"

But at Wednesday night's Newseum event, Rhee made a candid comment. When asked if she felt she played a role in Mayor Adrian Fenty's loss, she responded "Absolutely."

She continued, "You heard it on the campaign trail when people were asked why weren't you supporting the mayor, they'd say because he fired teachers or closed schools and I think that's unfortunate because the reasons were to make sure we could create a better school system."

Michelle Rhee told us she made tough choices only so children could thrive; an ideal she hopes doesn't disappear in the event she leaves.

Fenty also weighed in Wednesday on any potential changes that may lie ahead with Rhee or with the school system itself.

"We will talk further about what we need to do to continue to move forward through the school year. She will be the ultimate decider about her own personal future," he said.

We understand Vincent Gray called Rhee's office Wednesday morning, but the two weren't able to find time to talk. Nonetheless, Gray has said he looks forward to speaking with her.

Another note: at least two council members -- Mary Cheh and Tommy Wells -- are urging Gray to keep Rhee onboard.

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