Reminiscences of early work experiences in academic administration; appointment as head of New York City high schools; tenure policy; reflections of Anthony Alvardo, financial scandal; media coverage of school system; appointment as chancellor; Board of Education bureaucracy: staff demoralization and conflict; importance of quantifying standards for teachers, schools and students; measures to addre ss dropout rate; reminiscences of Edward I. Koch, Gordon M. Ambach, Robert F. Wagner, Jr., Richard Monroe; Board of Examiners; evaluating policy: class size, holidays, testing in a foreign language, AIDS and contraception education; retirement.