D.C. public schools chief Rhee announces resignation

"Heartbreaking" departure was widely expected after Mayor Adrian Fenty lost reelection bid

Published October 13, 2010 3:45PM (EDT)

The head of the D.C. public school system says she is resigning.

Michelle Rhee made the announcement at a news conference Wednesday. She says the thought of not being chancellor anymore is "heartbreaking."

Rhee took over one of the worst urban school systems in the country in 2007 with a mandate from Mayor Adrian Fenty to improve them. Since then, she has arguably improved test scores but also angered many with teacher layoffs, firings and a brusque style.

Rhee's departure is not surprising since she campaigned for Fenty, who lost his re-election bid in a September primary.

Fenty says Rhee will resign at the end of the month. She will be replaced on an interim basis by Deputy Chancellor Kaya Henderson.


By Associated Press

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