Top Pittsburgh School District Official Facing Criminal Charges Resigns

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh Public Schools' chief of staff resigned Thursday, days after the revelation he had been charged with assault and strangulation.

District officials said the resignation of Lamar Blackwell, 31, is effective immediately.

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Blackwell was charged in April. According to court documents, he was arrested on Sidney Court in the South Side after a woman told police he grabbed her by her wrist and choked her. Police said the left side of the woman's neck was red.

His preliminary hearing has been continued several times and now is scheduled for Sept. 10.

Blackwell stepped down from his position just days after media reports on the charges surfaced.

"Serving this district has been one of the greatest professional honors of my career," Blackwell stated in his resignation letter

" I remain deeply proud of the work we have accomplished together to strengthen organizational effectiveness, advance strategic priorities, and better serve our students, families, and staff.

"Unfortunately, the continued public attention surrounding the pending legal matter involving me has created a level of distraction that has significantly impacted my ability to effectively carry out the responsibilities of my position. While I remain confident that this matter would ultimately be resolved, the ongoing media coverage and resulting public scrutiny have increasingly shifted attention away from the important work of the district.

"I recognize the strain this situation has placed on the administration and the Board, and I believe stepping aside is the most responsible course of action in the best interests of the district."

District Superintendent Wayne N. Walters issued the following statement on Blackwell stepping aside:

"We respect Mr. Blackwell's decision to resign and his desire to act in the best interests of the district. Our focus remains on continuing the important work of serving our students and school communities."