In an interesting move, Alexandria Public Schools has hired Alan Hilburg, the marketing guy behind Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?” campaign to improve the system’s reputation. Hilburg has also worked for such beleaguered public figures as Don Imus and Leona Helmsley to restore their reputation. Alexandria’s school system, home to the under-performing high school T.C. Williams, hopes to better sell themselves to potential donors and volunteers. While Hilburg will not be making much for his services, $48,000, since superintendent Mort Sherman started his job in 2008 he’s spent nearly a million dollars on consulting services. Call me naive, but perhaps instead of spending money on a marketing guru to improve your reputation … maybe you should just hire better teachers, increase accountability, and improve existing facilities?