When Antony Amato abruptly resigned April 12, 2005 Ora Watson then Chief Academic Officer became the acting interim superintendent. Amato had succeeded Col. Davis in a nationwide search. The schools were in trouble before Davis took over. Both Davis and Amato were presented to New Orleanians as executives who could turn the school system around.

She was confirmed in July after a nasty battle with the school board. Opposed by Anderson, Farenholtz and Moran but supported by Sanders, Landrieu and Cade, she also managed to garner Daniels vote to become Superintendent.