CINCINNATI — At Monday night's Cincinnati Public School board meeting, superintendent Laura Mitchell announced her resignation.
“As we leave the old shore mentioned quite a few times, the education during the pandemic, and pre-pandemic, we look to a new coast, new shore of opportunities," Mitchell said. "It’s time for a transition. Tonight I’m announcing publicly that I’m resigning as Superintendent of CPS.”
Mitchell's final day with the district will be June 11.
During her 27-year career with Cincinnati Public Schools, Mitchell spent the past four years as superintendent of the district.
She is leaving "to pursue an unexpected professional opportunity," according to a statement released from the district.
"It has been a privilege to spend 27 years of my professional career with Cincinnati Public Schools, the last four as your superintendent," said Mitchell in a release from the district. "As much as I appreciate my experiences here, which began as a CPS student at Bond Hill Elementary and The School for Creative and Performing Arts, there is a season for all things, and it’s time for me to embrace a new calling.”
CPS Board of Education president Carolyn Jones said the school board will name an interim superintendent by May 24 while they search for Mitchell's successor. Jones could not say whether the board planned to fill the position in time for the fall.
"I can't say that," she said. "I don't know how realistic that is. What we'll do is take the time to find the best person for this job."
Although Mitchell's former resignation was announced during Monday's board meeting, board members said they were informed a few weeks ago.
"I think she did an incredible job guiding this district through some tumultuous times, through the pandemic with grace," said Ryan Messer, vice president of the CPS board. "I think because of that, we've landed on a pretty solid foundation that we can almost say is post the height of the pandemic."
Jones said the board is committed to finding the right person for the job, while also keeping the community informed throughout the process.
"We'll keep the community informed, engaged, we'll include them in our search process," said Jones. "Right now we're at the point of letting this soak in."
