D.C. Real Estate's Most Powerful Person: Public Schools Chief?

Does the blunt, no-nonsense administrator of Washington, D.C., public schools actually influence home values in the city?

Washington City Paper blogger Lydia DePillis argues that Michelle Rhee does, although area Realtors and residents aren't as sure.

In her three years as schools chancellor, Rhee has shuttered under-performing schools, fired administrators and teachers, and invested millions in professional development. Parents are becoming more involved citywide, and test scores, overall, are on the rise.

Citing the experience of D.C. Councilmember Tommy Wells, who says Realtors gush to him about school improvements and increased housing values, DePillis dubbed Rhee "the most powerful person in D.C. real estate."