Chicago Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett has resigned, more than a month after she took a leave of absence in the midst of a federal investigation into corruption.
WGN-TV reports that Byrd-Bennett notified the board in writing last week of her decision to resign, effective Monday. (Here is a copy of the letter.)
Byrd-Bennett took a leave of absence in April after it was revealed that federal authorities were looking into what role Byrd-Bennett's played in a contract the district granted to The SUPES Academy, a firm based in Wilmette, Ill., that trains principals and superintendents. Byrd-Bennett had worked as a coach for SUPES prior to joining the Chicago school system.
Byrd-Bennett began working for Chicago Public Schools in 2012 as chief education officer in 2012 and became CEO later that year after the resignation of Jean-Claude Brizard. Byrd-Bennett also has been a school administrator in Detroit, Cleveland and New York City.
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About the Author
Mike Kennedy
Senior Editor
Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.