KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Capping weeks of speculation, Kansas City Schools Superintendent Anthony Amato has resigned.

Amato and the board jointly announced Wednesday night that Amato is stepping aside immediately but will stay on as a consultant through the end of the year. Former Grandview Superintendent John Martin will serve as interim superintendent beginning Monday.

Soon after he started on July 1, 2006, Amato went to work making changes in programs and curriculum at a pace too fast for some. He had trouble hiring and keeping people in some top positions.

He received a critical performance review by the board last summer, and was accused in a confidential complaint of calling some board members by derogatory names privately with staff. Amato said those allegations were without merit.

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Information from The Kansas City Star: http://www.kcstar.com