Robert Collins

Name: Robert Collins

Age: 54

Home: Chatsworth

Profession: LAUSD District C superintendent

Latest accomplishment: He has proposed new standards for graduation at eight San Fernando Valley high schools, requiring all seniors to have a professional work portfolio. As one of 11 new mini-district superintendents, Collins is charged with making LAUSD administration more accessible to parents--and making classrooms more effective.

Goals for 2001: Ensure clean, safe campuses; institute “character education” in all grades; expand gifted and talented programs; develop school-business partnerships; ensure each school has necessary textbooks and facilities; require every graduating senior to have a written post-secondary plan; hold staff accountable for achieving district goals. Still completing his duties as chief negotiator for LAUSD, Collins must settle a rift over merit pay between the district and the United Teachers of Los Angeles.