By Adam Allington, KWMU
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kwmu/local-kwmu-676060.mp3
St. Louis, MO. – Diana Bourisaw, the superintendent of the St. Louis Public Schools, said she will leave her post by the end of the school year.
Bourisaw made the decision Tuesday, after the state-appointed Special Administrative Board announced a search campaign to find a new superintendent.
Melanie Adams is one of three members on the state board, and said Bourisaw is not being fired.
"This is not based on her performance at all, Adams said. The mandate of the Special Administrative Board is to work to improve our schools and one of the ways we would like to do that moving forward is to make sure we have the best superintendent in place possible."
She said Bourisaw was encouraged to apply for the superintendent job.
But Bourisaw said the announcement took her by surprise, and she has opted to leave rather then re-apply.
At a press conference, a visibly shocked and saddened Bourisaw said she will not re-apply for the position.
"I have been in the district 19 months," Bourisaw said. "I have enjoyed every day because I get to serve the children of the district. It has been my honor to do so."
Bourisaw is the sixth person to hold the position of superintendent in the past ten years.
St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay said he supports the transitional board's decision.