Oakland's Beleaguered Superintendent To Resign

By Kerry A. White

Acceding to political pressure from California and city officials critical of the pace of reform in the Oakland schools, Superintendent Carole C. Quan announced her resignation last week.

Ms. Quan, 58, worked as a teacher and administrator in the district for 33 years before becoming the superintendent in September 1997. She was the first Asian-American woman to head the city's school system.

Her departure, effective July 2, includes a cash settlement that will cover her $135,000 annual salary, accrued sick leave, and benefits she would have received if she had served the remainder of her contract, which was to...