Director of Abbott programs is leaving Wednesday, February 14, 2007 • BY JOHN MOONEY • Star-Ledger Staff Gordon MacInnes, the outspo ken and often-controversial figure who oversaw the state's Abbott vs. Burke school reforms for the last five years, announced yesterday that he plans to step down from the post, effective March 30. MacInnes, an assistant commis sioner under Education Commis sioner Lucille Davy, said his decision to leave was "exclusively mine" and largely due to the grind of a commute to Trenton from his Morristown home. "Five years of doing this is what prompted it," he said yesterday of his decision. "I felt I would like to broaden my opportunities." But his departure fueled speculation that it also could be the start of Gov. Jon Corzine's stated hopes to remake the state's school funding under the Abbott decrees. "What's interesting is what takes place next," said Robert Holster, the Passaic superintendent who often battled with MacInnes over funding for his district. "Will they go a totally different direction? ... We know what we had. We don't know what we're getting." A former Democratic state legislator and prominent champion of liberal causes from the 1970s through the 1990s, MacInnes garnered both fans and critics almost from the day he was appointed to his current role under Gov. Jim McGreevey in 2002. With a staff of about 100, MacInnes' job was to manage the state's implementation of the Ab bott v. Burke mandates in 31 mostly urban districts, including schoolwide teaching reforms and universal preschool. But as Abbott money became tighter, he drew intense criticism from some districts and their advo cates who accused him of trying to dilute the landmark Abbott decisions with his singular focus on raising reading levels while paying less attention to supplemental programs ordered by the courts. Yesterday, MacInnes remained defiant that his emphasis on early literacy has been proven right by the improved test results in districts like Union City, West New York and more recently Orange and Jersey City. "We're at a good place with Abbott in convincing the leadership in most -- not all -- districts that their primary responsibility is teaching and learning," he said. "It has taken a long time. ... And I think the results have vindicated our relentless focus on that." MacInnes, 65, said he was un troubled by the criticism. "I never went into public life believing it would be pleasant all the time or that I wouldn't have to fight," he said. While closer to Corzine, MacInnes was not considered in Davy's inner circle, and it is in question whether Davy will even replace him or maintain the Abbott division. Corzine and Davy have said they want to revamp the formula for handing out millions in additional aid, funding students rather than districts. That formula would include schools not currently eligible. Davy's office yesterday would not discuss her plans, and she is sued a cordial statement about MacInnes' departure. "His leadership of the Department's Abbott Division has re sulted in improved and expanded preschool opportunities and the narrowing of the achievement gap," the statement read. "Our state is a better place because of Gordon's unwavering commitment to public service and helping those in need." MacInnes, whose resume includes leadership roles in Planned Parenthood and public broadcasting, said he plans to re main in public policy in a non- profit or foundation type of role, but had not yet settled on a new job. © 2006 The Star-Ledger. Used by NJ.com with permission.