Jean-Claude Brizard has stepped down from his post as head of the Chicago Public Schools. After just 17 months on the job, Brizard is being replaced by Barbara Byrd-Bennett, who was serving as the interim chief education officer. She will take over Brizard's role effective immediately. Byrd-Bennett is the former CEO for the Cleveland public school system.

Brizard, according to the Chicago Tribune, left his post, in part, due to a feeling that he was "becoming a distraction." Check back with Progress Illinois for more on this development.