Former KC superintendent John Covington quits in Detroit

Almost three years after he shocked the Kansas City, Mo. school district by leaving it, John Covington is out in Detroit.

Covington went to Detroit to run something called the “Education Achievement Authority of Michigan.” The Authority was developed to try and improve low-performing schools.

Kansas Citians were stunned when Covington left with little notice. Some board members thought he had been chased from the city, something he later denied.

Monday, in Detroit, he said he’s quitting for family reasons, and to consult.

One problem?

“The Detroit News reported last week that the cash-strapped authority continues to spend tens of thousands of dollars per month on travel, using money that could be spent on computers or hiring teachers, newly released documents show.”

This story was originally published June 16, 2014 at 2:44 PM.