'I am stepping down:' Michael Bonds resigns from Milwaukee Board of School Directors

MILWAUKEE -- It is another unexpected change to Milwaukee Public Schools' leadership. With less than one year left in his term, longtime Milwaukee Board of School Directors member Michael Bonds has resigned.

Bonds did not give any indication as to why he is stepping down so abruptly, but he did find himself in the hot seat recently during a debate over the district's most recent budget shortfall.

In a letter to the board on July 13, Bonds announced that he'd be stepping down immediately.

Below is the letter of resignation from Michael Bonds to the Board of Directors:

While serving District 3, Bonds came under scrutiny in April, telling Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association (MTEA -- the teachers' union) President Amy Mizialko to "go to hell."

The outburst stemmed from growing concern over the district's multi-million dollar budget shortfall.

In a statement, MPS Board President Mark Sain apologized on behalf of the board following the outburst:

Following Bonds' announcement of resignation, the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association on Tuesday, July 17 posted the following message on Facebook: "This is great news for public education advocates in Milwaukee!"

Mizialko also said in part: "Bonds' resignation gives us hope and MTEA looks forward to working with a real public school champion in this seat."

Meantime, Sain recognized Bonds' "dedication to the community," and thanked him for his service.

Bonds did not return FOX6 News' request for an interview.

School Board member at large, Terry Falk, is stepping in to serve District 3. Meantime, an election for the seat is still scheduled for April 2019.

Below is the statement from Director Mark Sain, president of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors, regarding Bonds' resignation: 

MTEA President Amy Mizialko offered this statement to FOX6 News: