CHICAGO — The chief executive of the public school system here, Barbara Byrd-Bennett, who has been the subject of a federal investigation into possible misconduct, has resigned, the district announced Monday.
Ms.
Byrd-Bennett has been on leave from Chicago Public Schools since April,
following local news media reports that a grand jury was hearing
evidence about a no-bid school district contract that was awarded to a
former employer of hers.
In
a resignation letter that was to take effect Monday, Ms. Byrd-Bennett
wrote that she would “remain forever thankful for the opportunity to
serve the children of Chicago.” She did not give a reason for resigning
in the letter, which was dated May 29 and was released by the district.
In
his successful re-election campaign this year, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who
in 2012 appointed Ms. Byrd-Bennett to her position, repeatedly cited
improvements to the city’s challenged school system. Nonetheless,
enrollment has dropped, many students fail to meet learning standards
and the district is facing a massive budget deficit.
“I
am saddened by the circumstances that have led to Barbara’s resignation
and I wish her well,” Mr. Emanuel said in a statement. “As a city, our
focus must remain on finishing the school year strong and tackling the
billion-dollar budget deficit that threatens the progress our students,
teachers, principals and parents have made over the last several years.”
Ms.
Byrd-Bennett has not been charged with a crime, and a spokeswoman for
the United States attorney’s office in Chicago on Monday declined to
comment on reports of an investigation.
The
Chicago Teachers Union, whose contract with the district expires this
summer, said in a statement that it was “not surprised” by Ms.
Byrd-Bennett’s departure. The union said the federal investigation “sets
a horrible example for our students and the educators who look to her
for leadership.”
The
president of the school board, David J. Vitale, said in a statement
that the interim chief executive, Jesse H. Ruiz, will continue leading
the district. Chicago Public Schools enrolls about 400,000 students in
more than 600 schools.
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