Will Cincinnati Public Schools superintendent resign? Wright speaks out before board meets

Cincinnati Public Schools' Board of Education is divided on whether or not to keep on Superintendent Iranetta Wright after all six of the district's unions voted no confidence in her.

Wright, who met with The Enquirer's editorial board Wednesday afternoon, said she's willing to stay on but doesn't know whether her broken relationship with the district's unions is salvageable. She said she "didn't know that it was this bad" ahead of the unions' votes.

Wright is committed to improving outcomes for kids, she said. And she was brought to Cincinnati to make changes. But Wright said it doesn't seem like Cincinnati is ready for change, and all of this division is taking away from the work that needs to be done.

"I want to be where I'm wanted," Wright said. "I want to be where what I bring is valued."

More: Complaints mount against Cincinnati Superintendent Iranetta Wright: 'It's all about her'

School board president Eve Bolton told The Enquirer on Wednesday that the board is "in discussion" regarding the superintendent's future.

Ben Lindy, a board member who has been an unwavering supporter of Wright since she was hired in the spring of 2022, said Wednesday the board is "very divided." He said he thinks a board majority is working too quickly to oust Wright without consulting other board members who are in Wright's corner.

Lindy said ousting Wright is an irresponsible way to address employees' complaints. He said he's concerned with the damage an unplanned transition would cause at a time when the district's students are making academic gains under Wright's leadership.

"It doesn't appear to me that there is a clear plan," Lindy said.

Wright's contract as it stands now goes through July 2025, with a possible year extension depending on her evaluation this December.

The school board will meet in executive session at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, and then hold a special public meeting at 4 p.m. at the Mary A. Ronan Education Center at 2651 Burnet Ave. The board is expected to make a statement regarding the superintendent's future at Wednesday's public meeting.

The Enquirer will update this story.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Will Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Iranetta Wright resign?