Michelle Rhee, smiles while standing next to future interim Chancellor Kaya
Henderson during today’s press conference. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

It was a rather smiley affair in the East Room of the Mayflower hotel this morning, as outgoing D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee officially announced her resignation. There were words of optimism, handshakes, thumbs up and awkward hugs-a-plenty between Mayor Adrian Fenty, presumptive Mayor-elect Vince Gray and, of course, Rhee.

The Chancellor, whose resignation will go into effect at the end of the month, went heavy on the positive language — “mutual decision,” “shared goal” and “unifying the city,” for example — throughout her remarks.

“The best way to keep the reforms going is for this reformer to step aside,” Rhee said. Rhee told a large crowd of reporters that she plans to take a break (and, of course, travel to Sacramento), but would remain in the business of education reform. Rhee said that “all [DCPS] reforms can continue as planned” and added that she is looking forward to “serving America’s children” in the future.

Rhee did strike a slightly melancholy tone, though, when she spoke about her tenure as Chancellor. “I have completely enjoyed every minute of it,” Rhee said. “The thought of not being in this role anymore is heartbreaking, to put it mildly.”

She then thanked parents, students and Mayor Fenty for the chance to lead before delivering an awkward hug/handshake to Gray. The presumptive Mayor-elect then, in turn, hugged Fenty before reading from prepared remarks.

“It was not an easy decision for each of us,” said Gray. “But she and I together belive that this is the right decision.” In her statement, Rhee said that Gray will “lead a great city, and deserves an opportunity” to work on his goals with a team of his own selection.