New Chicago schools chief has record of reform, but irked teachers

By Amanda Paulson Amanda Paulson – Mon Apr 18, 4:22 pm ET

Chicago – The man Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel has selected to lead the Chicago Public Schools has a track record of improving graduation rates and test scores in his current job in Rochester, N.Y., but has also had conflicts with the teachers union there that recently resulted in a “no confidence” vote.

Jean-Claude Brizard, tapped Monday by Mr. Emanuel to be CEO of Chicago schools, has been superintendent of Rochester’s schools for the past three years. The choice has been eagerly awaited in Chicago, where schools have had three CEOs in the past three years. (Arne Duncan, the current US Education Department secretary, headed Chicago’s schools until his current appointment.)

Emanuel had signaled his intention to pick someone from outside Chicago, and rumors have been swirling about possible names – including Mr. Brizard – for some time.

via New Chicago schools chief has record of reform, but irked teachers – Yahoo! News.