Gov.

Rick Snyder: John Covington's vision, passion built a solid

foundation for the EAA and education reforms
Chancellor created innovative approach to helping struggling schools

Monday, June16, 2014

LANSING, Mich. Gov. Rick Snyder issued the following statement after the resignation of
Education Achievement Authority Chancellor John Covington. Dr. Covington is leaving to help care
for his ailing mother and start a consultancy to help schools develop student-centered learning
plans.
We created the Education Achievement Authority because we know that a strong public school
system is essential for Michigans comeback, and some of our schools have failed students for too
many years. We needed an innovative approach that would help students grow academically while
helping them and their families with some of the outside of school challenges that can impact
learning.
Dr. Covington embraced the tremendous challenge of building such a school district. His student-
centered approach, with individualized learning plans, longer school days and longer school years
allowed children to make great strides. With passion, he built a solid foundation for the work of the
EAA to continue and thrive, helping thousands of our young people now and into the future.
I appreciate Dr. Covingtons vision and hard work and wish him the very best with his family and in
his new role.
"I have every confidence the EAA Board of Directors will manage this change effectively and ensure
a seamless transition for students and their families."
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