Connie Parker (Bessemer Academy) and Drew Cleveland (Risley International Academy of Innovation) -- principals of two of the three Pueblo City Schools (D60) facing state sanctions due to continued low performance -- have resigned, effective in June.

No mention of the resignations was made during April's meeting of the board of education. It was through a Colorado Opens Record Act request that the personnel report listing the resignations was obtained.

The district offered this statement on the resignations:

"As with all personnel matters, we are unable to provide comment regarding the resignations of the principals at Bessemer and Risley. We thank them for their leadership and are committed to moving forward at these schools and as a district."

While Cleveland declined an opportunity to speak, Parker did not return several calls seeking comment.

As presented during a March 28 work session, and more recently before the Colorado Department of Education, the district's proposed plans to improve Bessemer, Risley and Heroes K-8 call for a change of leadership at all three schools.

Ironically, the same meeting in which the resignations were accepted saw Linda Maldonado -- whose six children either attend or have graduated from Bessemer Academy -- speak on Parker's behalf.

Following a procession of short-term principals, the school became stabilized under Parker and Angela Flores, dean of students, Maldonado told the board.

"Hope for a promising future had arrived," Maldonado told the board. "She (Parker) had a vision and a core belief: every child can learn.

"Please. If you have any influence on the decision to retain the current principal and her support staff, please help us."

Parker, who was hired as principal in 2014, appeared before the board on March 28 to present her plan for Bessemer Academy. She also passionately pleaded "for the opportunity to carry on what was started two years ago."

jpompia@chieftain.com