D.C. Schools Chanceller Rhee taps media adviser Anita Dunn to help improve image

[tonysam]

Not that anything will help Rhee at this point.

Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee, whose image has been frayed by a series of high-profile news controversies, is turning to former White House communications director and veteran Democratic media consultant Anita Dunn for help.

A D.C. schools spokeswoman confirmed Friday that the agency is negotiating a contract with Dunn's firm, Squier Knapp Dunn. The objective is to more effectively handle the heavy load of local and national news media attention that Rhee attracts and to help roll out major stories to greater strategic advantage. The spokeswoman said Dunn has devoted time to District school issues but would not elaborate.

Dunn is expected, however, to assist with an announcement of the long-awaited labor contract between the District and the Washington Teachers' Union, which could be finalized in the next few weeks.

This is the most notable part of the story:

"We hope to get her wisdom and advice on how to handle things. She has incredible experience," said Marrianne McMullen, chief of staff to Peggy O'Brien, Rhee's head of family and public engagement. McMullen added that Dunn's contract would be paid for with private donations.

Washington Post

WHO is paying for Dunn's salary?

[robinblue]

1. taxpayers no doubt.

[tonysam]

3. It does say "private donations," but who knows? n/t

[Fire1]

2. Oh, I can just imagine where those 'private donations' are

coming from!:eyes:

[tonysam]

4. Let's see...Broad, Gates, Walton, and others in the Billionaire Boys' Club. n/t

[Hannah Bell]

5. typical: more PR spin instead of changing what people object to.