Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Italo Carl Candoli and General Dynamics Vice President of Engineering Charlie Anderson agreed in 1981 to partner in improving the schools’ curriculum and to instruct teachers about applicable math and science skills.
Anderson sought to cut down the training time for new hires, seeking a more educated crop of applicants. For example, Fort Worth instructors were teaching drafting by hand when General Dynamics was using computers for blueprint drawings.
Anderson assigned Steve (Estevan) De Leon, aeronautics engineer and University of Texas graduate, as a loaned executive to the district in 1982-1984. Born and raised in San Antonio’s barrio west side, De Leon knew a good education opened opportunities to aspiring students and a way out of poverty. Ms. Wharton, Brackenridge High School math teacher, recognized his math aptitude and encouraged him to pursue a science career. De Leon intentionally took her math classes for four years, seeking her guidance and encouragement…