Davenport schools superintendent Art Tate announced abruptly on Friday, October 26th that he's resigning. Tate had planned to retire in June.
Superintendent Art Tate says there are three reasons for his resignation.
First, he admits failing to address what he calls the "disproportionality situation" in the district. Tate is probably referring to the higher number of minority students placed in special ed and alternative programs, as well as inequality in discipline.
Second, Tate says his presence makes it difficult for the Davenport School Board to deal with the Iowa State Board of Education. In August, the agency reprimanded the superintendent for spending more than allowed by state law.
Finally, Tate says that he's resigning because his conflicts with the state have left him unable to do his job. And after 60 years in leadership, he's ready for a break.
Art Tate's last day as superintendent will be Wednesday, October 31st.
Davenport School Board will meet next week to decide what to do next.
