This is probably going to date me but for a period of time I think this man's signature adorned my report cards back then. Wait do students even get physical report cards anymore?
Mr. Manford Byrd Jr. is remembered by family and friends for his passion for education and focus on community engagement.
A lifelong educator, Mr. Byrd went from teacher to general superintendent of the third-largest public school system in the country within about 30 years — but not without a fight. After being passed over for the role several times, he served as head of Chicago Public Schools for five years.
He died Jan. 17 at the age of 92.
“He instilled in us a fantastic work ethic,” Carl Byrd, one of his sons, said. “You work hard and you will be noticed. It’s not always on your time, but it is on time.”
The Brewton, Alabama native graduated from Iowa Central College in 1949 with a bachelor’s in mathematics. He later earned his master’s in education from Atlanta University in 1954 and a doctorate in education from Northwestern University in 1978.
“He had humble beginnings,” Carl Byrd said of his father, “and he was always looking to reach back in and help others come up.”
Reading up on his background was very interesting. First appointed in 1985 by Mayor Harold Washington as the CPS Superintendent - title replaced by CEO of CPS by 1995 - Byrd served until 1990. Right during my earlier years in elementary school. Seems like very different days almost.
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