At a breakfast of business and political leaders in Baltimore last week, Maryland Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick praised some of the heroes of the state's ambitious education reform efforts.
Among others, Grasmick cited former Gov. William Donald Schaefer, the "visionary" who brought her into state government, key legislators and several Baltimore education leaders.
But for the governor, Parris N. Glendening, she had no warm words. Grasmick instead reiterated her opposition to some of his recent decisions in the battle over control of the Baltimore school system, finally reminding the group that she works for the state school board.
"I am not appointed by the governor," she said. "I am insulated from that kind of political pressure."
Grasmick's words spoke volumes about the somewhat strained relationship between Glendening and the state's top education official.
The two started badly during the 1994 campaign when Glendening was cool to some of the reforms Grasmick has championed, although he since has endorsed them.
After initial talk about ousting Grasmick, Glendening came out strongly on her side last year, and both now say they have forged a good working relationship. But interviews with top state officials and recent clashes between the two make it clear that some tension persists at the top of Maryland's education hierarchy.
Any awkwardness between them can only be exacerbated by talk that Grasmick might run against Glendening when he seeks election in 1998, a rumor that Grasmick refuses to quash.
"I want to leave my options open," she said. Then she added, "I'll just say, 'No comment.' "
Glendening chuckled when asked about the idea of an election challenge from a member of his Cabinet. "I don't worry anything about the politics," he said. "I'm just trying to focus on education."
Some lawmakers contend Glendening would like to replace Grasmick, who has been state schools chief since 1991, with his own person. Glendening denies it, and many observers believe him.
They say Glendening has learned to live with the independent-minded superintendent because of political reality: For an unelected bureaucrat, Grasmick has an impressive array of powerful friends, and it is in his best interest to keep her on board.
"I think Nancy Grasmick, at this point in our state's history, is too popular for the governor to cross swords with," said Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., a Grasmick fan.
