Stuart Markey, the San Diego Unified official who oversees the $2.1 billion school renovation and construction bond that voters approved about two years ago, has submitted a resignation letter to Superintendent Bill Kowba. Markey said he would leave at the end of the month.
Markey initially said he would not comment, but when I asked if anything had gone wrong, he said no. “I’ve been treated well here by the district. I’m just looking for new opportunities,” Markey said.
Markey, who I often refer to as the “bond czar” in my blog, has been both the public face and hands-on-manager for the massive initiative. In his time at the top, Markey has had to cope with shrinking revenues from dropping property values, which have delayed projects, much to the frustration of local schools.
He also had to weather the political storm from decisions he himself never made, like when the school board opted to put the projects under a controversial labor pact. I haven’t heard yet who will replace him.
Please contact Emily Alpert directly at emily.alpert@voiceofsandiego.org or 619.550.5665 and follow her on Twitter: twitter.com/emilyschoolsyou.