Fairfax County (Va.) School Superintendent Karen Garza has announced her resignation after leading the 186,000-student district for about three-and-a-half years.
Garza, who took the Fairfax job in 2013, says she will leave the district no later than Dec. 16.
She will become the chief executive officer of Battelle for Kids, a not-for-profit education organization based in Columbus, Ohio.
"I am so grateful for the opportunity to have served this world class school system since June 2013," Garza said in a message on the district's web site.
"It has been an honor and privilege to have worked with the dedicated and professional staff who make [Fairfax County] the finest school system in the country."
School Board Chair Sandy Evans issued a statement praising Garza's tenure.
"Dr. Garza has been a transformational leader who has had a tremendous positive impact on our schools, families, employees, and most importantly the children of Fairfax County," Evans said.
Garza came to Virginia after serving as superintendent for the Lubbock (Texas) school district. She had been an administrator in the Houston school system.
The Washington Post reports that Garza signed a contract extension earlier this summer and had four years remaining on the agreement, but said she had informed board members that she was unsure if she would remain on the job that long.
Battelle for Kids Board Chairman Russ Astin says in a release, “We are thrilled that Dr. Garza has chosen to lead this amazing organization, and we look forward to the significant impact her leadership will have in the future."
