Ex-Head Of Downgraded KC Schools Defends Record
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The new chancellor of Michigan's Education Achievement Authority is defending his record in the Kansas City School District after Missouri education officials revoked the district's accreditation.
John Covington was hired for the Michigan job in August. He said in a statement to the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News that Tuesday's decision by the Missouri State Board of Education was years in the making and reforms he helped put in place are taking root.
Covington says he's confident the district will be able to regain accreditation.
In Michigan, the authority will operate a new statewide school district for Michigan's neediest schools in Detroit and elsewhere.
Sara Wurfel, spokeswoman for Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, said in a statement Wednesday that Covington "is the very best available leader" for the system.
Under his four-year contract, Covington will make $225,000 a year with a signing bonus of $175,000.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
