Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool resigned Friday from his post as head of the city's embattled school district.
Earlier this week, Claypool admitted that he made a mistake in a legal contract amid an ethics probe that claimed he was part of a "full-blown cover up," according to the Chicago Tribune, which first reported news of his resignation. Sources told the publication Claypool no longer had the backing of the mayor's appointed school board.
Still, Mayor Rahm Emanuel supported Claypool this week, including during a press conference Friday, noting he admitted he made a mistake.
Emanuel called Claypool "selfless" and said he would "always be my friend."
"He did a great job," Emanuel said.
Claypool briefly spoke at the press conference, confirming his resignation after the report said he lied during an ethics breach investigation.
"Even good men can make stupid mistakes," adding that he hopes his 30-year career stands with integrity.
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Claypool was named head of CPS in 2015 following the resignation of former CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett, who had been the subject of a federal investigation.
Claypool, who was born in Vandalia, has been one of Emanuel's most trusted advisors. After running the Chicago Transit Authority in Emanuel's first term, Claypool was asked to become the mayor's Chief of Staff, but three months later, he was named the CEO of CPS.
Claypool's resignation is effective Dec. 31.
