Top academic officer named Cleveland schools CEO

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland school board has bypassed three outside finalists and promoted its top academic officer to become the new schools CEO.

The board voted today to hire Eric Gordon to lead the 45,000-student district. Mayor Frank Jackson appoints the school board members and endorsed the selection.

Gordon has been chief academic officer of Cleveland schools since 2007. He has held teaching or school leadership jobs in the Toledo, Oregon city and Olentangy districts in Ohio, and in New Orleans.

He replaces Eugene Sanders, who retired in February amid a major school system overhaul. Sanders formerly served as Toledo superintendent.