New Haven school superintendent Mayo to retire

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — New Haven School Superintendent Reginald Mayo is retiring after more than two decades as head of the school district.

Mayo announced Wednesday he is stepping down effective June 30. Mayo had worked for 46 years in the New Haven public schools before becoming superintendent 21 years ago.

Mayo, with longtime Mayor John DeStefano, who also is retiring at the end of his term, led a major school reform in 2010.

The initiative includes evaluating and assisting low-performing schools, increasing parental and community involvement, and innovative teacher evaluations.

Mayo said it has led to higher graduation rates, student achievement improvement that is twice the state average and more students thinking about going to college.

He also has focused on expanding magnet schools, full-day kindergarten and preschool programs.