Tensions with Mayor Bloomberg caused schools Chancellor Joel Klein's surprise exit, sources say
Sunday, November 21st 2010, 4:00 AM
Schools Chancellor Joel Klein's exit may have been unexpected - but insiders say he was ready to go, partly because of escalating tension between him and Mayor Bloomberg.
The mayor, an unwavering public supporter of Klein through eight bruising years, had begun to grow disenchanted with his education chief, six sources with knowledge of the relationship told the Daily News.
"It wasn't as simple as him being pushed. Joel is very astute when it comes to relationships. He saw what was happening," said one source familiar with the inner workings of the Department of Education. "He wants to make some money and take on a new challenge. It made sense for him to go when he did."
Since Klein's announcement, Bloomberg has said unequivocally he wanted Klein to stay.
Still, the results-oriented mayor always made education his signature issue. In what is presumably his last term, he's mindful of his legacy, sources said.
Klein has long been a polarizing figure - accused of being a tone-deaf autocrat who
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