Cleveland Budget Cuts Hurt Gains, Departing Schools Chief Laments

Civic and education leaders in Cleveland have banded together to undertake the search for a new schools chief, saying they want to continue the progress that has taken root under Barbara Byrd-Bennett, who is leaving after a nearly seven-year tenure.

Three days after the defeat of a proposed property-tax levy intended to stabilize the financially struggling school district, Ms. Byrd-Bennett announced Aug. 5 that she would not seek to renew her contract when it expires Sept. 30. She has offered to remain in charge for up to a year longer to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership. ( "Crucial Levy Goes Down in Cleveland," Aug. 10, 2005)

Two of Cleveland’s nine school board members, Louise Dempsey and Larry Davis, have been named to coordinate the search for a new chief executive officer, in consultation with Mayor Jane L. Campbell and an advisory panel of civic and education leaders. Meanwhile, the mayor must also find a replacement for Margaret Hopkins, the school board chairwoman, who resigned Aug. 22 to take a teaching position at...