Meeting one day with a city-wide Parent-Teachers’ Association, James R. Bailey, the Superintendent of the Fort Worth, Texas, public schools, sought to communicate openness and accessibility. He told the audience he would be pleased to speak with them any hour of the day or night. “In fact,” he said, “here’s the telephone number…” and proceeded to recite it.

There was a sudden outcry from Assistant Superintendent Joe Ross. “Hey!” Ross shouted, “That’s my number you’re giving out!”