Even if you weren't riveted by the bizarre process for selecting the next superintendent of the Los Angeles schools, if you care about the future of public education you should at least give a quick glance at departing superintendent Roy Roemer's thoughts on what needs to happen out there.

I always thought Roemer's credentials as a Democrat brought some interesting twists to discussions about urban school reform, particularly as they relate to the kinds of partnerships that need to happen with teachers unions (and why they ultimately don't happen.) Who can forget that Matt Miller piece from a few years ago, describing the absolutely obnoxious of UTLA negotiators during bargaining sessions?

Roemer's final thoughts on his tenure are a reminder that he was forced to spend much of his time dealing with out-of-control school construction issues (and severe overcrowding) but he does get one more chance to highlight the importance of changing the types of relationships that need to exist between districts and teachers unions:

The district's unions represent thousands of hardworking professionals who spend their days trying to improve our students' education. However, the district and the unions spend far too much time arguing with each other over what are ultimately adult-oriented agendas. Our shared union-district agenda should always be student- and mission-oriented.

Roemer's experience as chairman of the Democratic National Committee gave him an interesting vantage point later on in terms of dealing with teachers unions. Imagine if he had worked as superintendent first and THEN ran the party. Things might have been more interesting.