DETROIT – The Education Achievement Authority of Michigan announced Monday that Dr. John Covington is resigning as chancellor, effective immediately.
According to a release from the EAA, Covington wants to devote his time to caring for his elderly mother. He is also expected to start an education consulting firm.
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The board will formally accept Covington's resignation at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday and says it will launch a search for a permanent chancellor immediately.
Covington was hired as Chancellor of the newly-formed EAA in September 2011. He had previously served as superintendent of the Kansas City, Missouri school district. During Covington's tenure in Kansas City, the district lost its accreditation from the state.
During Covington's time with the EAA, the system was the only school district in the nation awarded the Bill and Melinda Gates Next Generation Innovation Grant for three consecutive years. In the EAA's first school year (2011-2012), six of the EAA's K-8 schools scored in the top 20 of 127 schools evaluated for their rate of growth by Excellent Schools Detroit; three scored in the top 6 and one scored in the top 3.
"It has been a tremendous honor and a most humbling experience to serve as the Chancellor of the EAA and be part of this tremendous work," Covington said. "I'd like to especially thank Gov. Snyder for his vision; in addition to legislators and donors who supported the EAA's educational transformation under my leadership."
Statement from Gov. Rick Snyder on Covington:
"We created the Education Achievement Authority because we know that a strong public school system is essential for Michigan's comeback, and some of our schools have failed students for too many years. We needed an innovative approach that would help students grow academically while helping them and their families with some of the outside of school challenges that can impact learning.
Dr. Covington embraced the tremendous challenge of building such a school district. His student-centered approach, with individualized learning plans, longer school days and longer school years allowed children to make great strides. With passion, he built a solid foundation for the work of the EAA to continue and thrive, helping thousands of our young people now and into the future.
I appreciate Dr. Covington's vision and hard work and wish him the very best with his family and in his new role.
I have every confidence the EAA Board of Directors will manage this change effectively and ensure a seamless transition for students and their families."