As the new Chancellor of Michigans Education Achievement System, John Covington will be responsible for turning around Michigan’s worst schools. But his decision to resign as Kansas City school Superintendent in the midst of district-wide overhaul is leading critics, and even some former supporters, to  question his commitment.

When Covington resigned last week, initial reports suggested he wasnt leaving for a new job, but because of differences with a school board member. When the whole truth finally came out, even Covingtons closest allies felt spurned.

August 27, Kansas City Star: Just two days ago, Covington stunned everyone in KC by saying he was resigning. The reason: problems with school board president Airick Leonard West.

Covington fooled board member Arthur Benson, his biggest supporter on the board, enough that Benson actually resigned along with Covington. By Friday, Benson was backpedaling furiously, accusing Covington of, essentially, lying to him about whether he had been looking for a new job.

A Kansas City Star editorial entitled Trust John Covington? We don’t in KC went so far as to suggest Covingtons actions should give the EAS pause about their first hire.

August 26, Kansas City Star: Covington, apparently with his Plan B in hand, showed no effort to resolve differences, demonstrating an outrageous lack of regard for this community that supported his dramatic changes and reforms.

With the school year so new and plans just launched to expand a new learning approach in 10 schools, a departure now could distract teachers and jeopardize the districts chances at remaining accredited.

Covingtons unwillingness to resolve differences offers a poor lesson for students and shows disrespect for a community that has wholeheartedly supported him in his short tenure.

His hasty departure should alarm his next employer.

The EAS board, which includes notable figures like Detroit Public Schools Emergency Financial Manager Roy Roberts, Detroit Medical Center CEO Mike Duggan and the Skillman Foundations Carol Goss, hired Covingtona graduate of the controversial Broad Superintendents Academywithout considering other candidates. As EAS chancellor, Covington will earn $225,000 annually. He also received a $175,000 signing bonus.

When he resigned last Wednesday, Kansas City Star reporter Joe Robertson wrote: Covington had been riding a harmonious wave between the superintendents office, the board and the civic community that had been missing in Kansas City for decades.

Thats not so say Covingtons tenure was without controversy. His plan to close nearly half of the citys schools was approved, but narrowly, last year by the school board.

March 11, 2010, The Pitch: At this morning’s presser, Covington made seven mentions of “right-sizing,” which was enough to make me want to do shots. But it’s hard to argue against change in the district.

“It has been a difficult and painful and very emotional process that impacts our entire community,” Covington told reporters. “No one likes closing schools. It’s hard. It’s tough on families, and it’s certainly tough on our community.”

The school closure plan led to allegations of age discrimination from laid-off employees and opposition to the planned closure of the Southwest Early College Campus magnet school.

Gov. Rick Snyder and Roberts launched EAS earlier this year by to manage and turnaround the states lowest performing schools.

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