Board members said Saturday they're eagerly awaiting the official arrival of Alton Frailey as Cincinnati Public Schools' new top administrator.

        Mr. Frailey, 41, comes to Cincinnati from Houston, Texas, where he recently worked as an assistant superintendent for the Spring Branch Independent School District. The former teacher and principal also serves as a board member for the neighboring Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District.

        Mr. Frailey, highly regarded as a good listener and someone who does his homework, is expected to be responsive to parents and teachers.

        “He believes in providing the support and resources for the teachers to use with the students,” said board member Harriet Russell. “He's very interested in students being successful.”

        Board member Melanie Bates said the five candidates that officials interviewed were all capable of being Cincinnati's next superintendent, but Mr. Frailey's style meshed best with the board.

        “He had good chemistry with (the) board,” she said. “I could see him in front of the Chamber of Commerce as easily as I can see him in front of a youth soccer team.”

        Some questioned Mr. Frailey's lack of a doctoral degree because the original advertisement for the position said one was preferred. But board member Sally Warner said his vast experience as an educator and his approach to education both as a parent and an administrator impressed her.

        Ms. Warner also said Mr. Frailey is enrolled in a doctoral program.

        Ms. Bates echoed Ms. Warner's comments on the new chief's qualifications.

        “His experience outweighs having a doctorate degree,” she said.

        Ms. Warner defended the pace at which Mr. Frailey was selected, saying that applicants were told to be ready for interviews Sept. 5 and 6 and for an Oct. 1 start date.

        “We asked the search firm whether we could facilitate this and they said the timetable was aggressive but doable,” she said. “We don't want the forward progress of our district and our students to be hurt because there is a transition period.”

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