Flint Community Schools Superintendent on leave

Flint, MI—The Flint Board of Education recently appointed Kevelin Jones, who had been serving as Flint Community Schools’ assistant superintendent, to interim superintendent.

The change came after Superintendent Anita Steward went on Family and Medical Leave, Board Secretary Danielle Green said.

Keiona Murphy, former director of federal, state, and local programs, will serve acting assistant superintendent.

Green said Steward announced her leave on Aug. 31.

The Board of Education held a special meeting Sept.1, and spent two hours in closed session to discuss Steward’s performance.

Following the closed session, the board voted to appoint Jones as interim superintendent due to Steward’s leave.

The vote passed 5-2. Board Vice President Vera Perry and Trustee Diana Wright cast the dissenting votes.

This is not the first time Steward’s performance was questioned by board members.

In June, the board issued a verbal warning to Steward for running a “hostile” administration. They also barred her from speaking to community partners without the presence of the board president or their designee, citing transparency concerns.

An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Superintendent Anita Steward was put on leave following a performance review by the Board of Education.