Beutner emerges as a top pick for LA schools superintendent amid questions
LOS ANGELES - Austin Beutner has emerged as a leading contender to run the Los Angeles school district, with backers saying he is smart enough and tough enough to confront its financial and academic struggles.
Though he does not have a background in education, the former investment banker has in the last year examined some of the district's intractable problems, serving as co-chair of an outside task force with the support of then-Superintendent Michelle King.
Sources inside and outside the school district said Beutner appears to have more support on the seven-member board than other finalists, and his name could come up for a vote as early as Tuesday.
But with the choice looming, board members last week received documents from the district's general counsel David
