Rhee resigns as chancellor of DC public schools

Presumptive mayor-elect Vincent C. Gray introduced Kaya Henderson on Wednesday as the interim chancellor of DC public schools and vowed that reforms launched under Michelle A. Rhee would continue when he takes office in January. Gray appeared at a mid-morning news conference with Rhee, Henderson and Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, who will formally appoint Henderson at Gray's request.

Gray, the DC Council chairman, beat Fenty in the Democratic primary election last month. The group took only a handful of questions from a hotel conference room packed with journalists, and neither Gray nor Rhee shed light on what they called a "mutual decision" to part ways.

In a prepared statement, Rhee said that leaving after nearly 3 1/2 turbulent years was "heartbreaking," but she said Gray "deserves the opportunity to work toward his goal of 'One City' with a team that shares his vision, can keep progress going and help bridge the divide. In short, we have agreed - together - that the best way to keep the reforms going is for this reformer to step aside." Read more in The Washington Post online.