Map: How 2013 School Grades Compare Across Pinellas County, Tampa Bay

A decline in school grades hasn't been the only bad news for Florida's education system in recent weeks.

State Education Commissioner Tony Bennett resigned last Thursday amid a scandal over policy changes he made while serving as schools superintendent in Indiana, the Huffington Post reports. An Associated Press report revealed Bennett intervened to improve the grade for an Indiana charter school run by a prominent Republican Party donor.

Bennett's tenure lasted just six months and came one year after previous commissioner Gerard Robinson resigned over criticism of the school grading system. It was another blow to educational reform efforts by Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who appointed Bennett.

Pam Stewart was chosen as Bennett's temporary replacement, the Orlando Sentinel reported Friday. She'll be the eighth state education commissioner in the past six years. 

Bennett's resignation comes on the heels of the recent release of 2013 school grades, which saw more than half of elementary and middle schools statewide earn a lower grade due to tougher standards.

In Pinellas County, 51 schools saw their grades drop. Only four saw improvements.

The map accompanying this story shows 2013 school grades for Pinellas County and the rest of Tampa Bay, as well as how those schools fared in 2012.

"Pending" status is assigned to schools eligible for high school grades, which will be calculated near the end of 2013 when complete data are available.