People News
Richard Boyd, Mississippi's superintendent of education, has resigned his post effective Dec. 31.
Mr. Boyd, who is the state's first appointed school chief, has served in the position since 1984.
Mr. Boyd's announcement came amid rumors of a rift between him and Gov. Ray Mabus over the Governor's recently proposed education-reform package.
Although Mr. Boyd does disagree with Mr. Mabus over some of the proposed reforms, Andrew Mullins, a department spokesman, confirmed, the superintendent has other reasons for leaving.
"It's more a combination of having a nice offer and being tired," Mr. Mullins said.
Mr. Boyd will become the executive director of the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, a Cleveland-based organization that aids education-reform efforts around the country.

W. Harry Davis, a 21-year veteran of the Minneapolis school board, has
been named the first recipient of the Richard R. Green Leadership
Award, a recognition program established by the Council of Great City
schools in honor of the late New York City schools chancellor.
Mr. Davis was a childhood friend and close associate of Mr. Green, who was superintendent of the Minneapolis public schools before assuming the New York post. The award recognizes Mr. Davis's numerous contributions to the Minneapolis public schools and to local civic organizations.
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